MEDIA RELATED MALADAPTIVE DAYDREAMING, EMOTIONAL REGULATION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

The present study was conducted to study the relationship between media related maladaptive daydreaming, emotional regulation and psychological distress in university students. The present study aimed to explore the predicting role of media related maladaptive daydreaming on emotional regulation and psychological distress in university students. The correlational research design was used while convenient sampling technique was used. Data was collected from (N=156) university students. The 16-item Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale (MDS-16; Somer et al.,2017); Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ; Gross & John ,2003) and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10; Kessler & Mroczek, 1992) were used to measure media related maladaptive daydreaming, emotional regulation and psychological distress, respectively. The result of Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis revealed that media related maladaptive daydreaming has a significant relationship with cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression (subscales of Emotion Regulation) and psychological distress. Cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression were found to be significantly positively related to psychological distress. Regression analysis revealed media related maladaptive daydreaming to be a positive predictor of cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression and psychological distress. Independent Sample t test revealed that cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression and psychological distress come out to be higher in women as compare to men This study is very useful in enhancing emotional regulation skills among university students, and providing valuable insights for developing effective mental health support programs.