The effects of stressful life experiences and maladaptive daydreaming on selective attention among young adults

Adverse childhood (ACEs) and adult (AAEs) experiences have been connected to negative psychological and physical consequences. ACEs have been associated with maladaptive daydreaming (MD) and impairments in selective attention (SA). Less is known about AAEs on selective attention and MD in adults. This study aimed to address gaps in the literature using a sample of 177 adults aged 18 and 30 who were assessed for ACEs, AAEs, and MD. Participants’ SA was assessed through an emotional Stroop test. ACEs and AAEs were both positively associated with MD, as well as with increased reaction times in the Emotional Stroop. There was an indirect effect of ACEs on total reaction time through MD. High levels of MD moderated the relationship between AAEs and SA by decreasing reaction times. Findings suggest a complex mechanism in the relationship between adverse life experiences, MD, and selective attention.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Author dc:creator

• Colpo, Claudia

Contributors dc:contributor

• Arnold, Tomorrow D.
• Walker, Ruth H.; Howell, Ashley N.
• College of Arts and Sciences

• Psychic trauma
• Adult child abuse victims

Licence

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language

English, eng

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholar.utc.edu/theses/957

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.utc.edu:theses-2136