Going to Other Worlds: The Relationships between Videogaming, Psychological Absorption, and Daydreaming Styles

The present study investigated the relationship among different kinds of immersive or involving activities: videogaming (VG), psychological absorption, and daydreaming styles. Involvement with VG was ascertained through a new measure, the Videogame Experience Questionnaire (VEQ). Participants (N = 74) also completed the Tellegen Absorption Scale and the Short Imaginal Processes Inventory. Factor analysis of the VEQ yielded four factors. Psychological absorption is not related to level of self-reported engagement in VG, but specific daydreaming styles are related to specific factors of the VEQ. Positive/constructive daydreaming is related to VG Engagement. Guilt/fear/failure daydreaming is related to Social/Emotional Interference from VG. Interference with performance of responsibilities attributed to VG is related to poor attentional control daydreaming. Implications of the findings are discussed.