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Journals / Anatolian Current Medical Journal / 2026 / Volume: 7 Issue: 3

The relationship between maladaptive daydreaming and academic procrastination, depression, anxiety and stress levels in medical students

Mustafa Karaağaç(NECMETTİN ERBAKAN ÜNİVERSİTESİ, MERAM TIP FAKÜLTESİ, DAHİLİ TIP BİLİMLERİ BÖLÜMÜ, RUH SAĞLIĞI VE HASTALIKLARI ANABİLİM DALI)0000-0001-5737-5880
Şükrü Alperen Korkmaz(ÇANAKKALE ONSEKİZ MART ÜNİVERSİTESİ, TIP FAKÜLTESİ, DAHİLİ TIP BİLİMLERİ BÖLÜMÜ, PSİKİYATRİ ANABİLİM DALI)0000-0002-0684-3303
Pages
—
Publication Date
2025-05-30
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Results: The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between MD and academic procrastination (r=.181, p<.05).

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:Aims: Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is a condition characterized by excessive and immersive daydreaming, often linked to psychological distress and behavioral difficulties.
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Key Findings & Data:Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with medical students who completed self-report questionnaires, including the MD scale (MDS-16), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Tuckman Procrastination Scale (TPS).
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Conclusion & Impact:Results: The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between MD and academic procrastination (r=.181, p<.05).
🔬Design:Survey & Empirical Study
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Maladaptive daydreaming · academic procrastination · psychological distress

Abstract

Aims: Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is a condition characterized by excessive and immersive daydreaming, often linked to psychological distress and behavioral difficulties. This research examines the correlation between MD, academic procrastination, and psychological distress among medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with medical students who completed self-report questionnaires, including the MD scale (MDS-16), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Tuckman Procrastination Scale (TPS). Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed to assess associations between MD, academic procrastination, and psychological distress. Results: The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between MD and academic procrastination (r=.181, p<.05). Additionally, MD was positively associated with depression (r=.245, p<.001), anxiety (r=.222, p<.001), and stress (r=.216, p<.001). However, MD did not show a significant direct association with academic performance (β=−0.07, p=.28). Conclusion: While MD is strongly linked to academic procrastination and psychological distress, its direct impact on academic performance remains unclear. Future research should further explore the mechanisms underlying these associations and consider intervention strategies for individuals experiencing MD-related difficulties.

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Cite This Article

Karaağaç, M., Korkmaz, Ş. A. (2025). The relationship between maladaptive daydreaming and academic procrastination, depression, anxiety and stress levels in medical students. Anatolian Current Medical Journal, Volume: 7 Issue: 3. https://doi.org/10.38053/acmj.1659391

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