Classic literature shows maladaptive daydreaming is not a new psychological trend

June 20, 2026 - 21:04

Long before psychologists gave it a clinical name, classic literature was already chronicling characters trapped in compulsive fantasies. A new study suggests that maladaptive daydreaming is a deeply rooted human experience, not just another internet-era trend fueled by social media or streaming distractions.

Researchers analyzed works from the 19th and early 20th centuries, identifying protagonists who exhibited the core traits of what is now called maladaptive daydreaming. These characters often withdrew from reality, constructing elaborate inner worlds that interfered with daily responsibilities, relationships, and personal growth. The study points to figures like Emma Bovary from Gustave Flaubert's novel, who escapes her mundane marriage through romantic fantasies, or the unnamed narrator in Fyodor Dostoevsky's "White Nights," who prefers the safety of his imagined life over genuine human connection.

The findings challenge the assumption that this condition is a product of modern digital life. Instead, the study argues that the tendency to retreat into vivid, disruptive daydreams has always been part of the human psyche. The authors note that while technology may provide new triggers, the underlying psychological mechanism appears timeless. By examining these literary examples, researchers hope to destigmatize the experience and encourage a broader understanding of how fantasy can both enrich and hinder a person's life. The study ultimately frames maladaptive daydreaming as a recurring theme in human storytelling, not a passing fad.