Ghosting and stress emerge as predictors of maladaptive daydreaming and narcissism

Ghosting, a common form of rejection in the digital era, can leave individuals feeling abandoned and confused. New research suggests that the effects may be even deeper, linking ghosting and stress to maladaptive daydreaming and vulnerable narcissism. The study was published in the journal Psychology of Consciousness: Theory, Research, and Practice.

Ghosting refers to the sudden and unexplained cessation of communication in a relationship. This behavior can occur in romantic, platonic, or professional contexts and often leaves the ghosted individual feeling confused, rejected, and abandoned. The lack of closure associated with ghosting can lead to rumination and self-doubt, as individuals struggle to understand why the relationship ended.

Previous studies suggest that ghosting can diminish self-esteem, create feelings of isolation, and even trigger symptoms of trauma. These effects are particularly relevant in young adults, who often rely heavily on digital communication for social interactions and are navigating significant emotional and developmental challenges.

Maladaptive daydreaming involves excessive and immersive fantasy activity that disrupts daily functioning, such as academic performance or social relationships. People who engage in maladaptive daydreaming often create elaborate, emotionally satisfying inner worlds to escape negative real-life experiences. The researchers were interested in whether ghosting and stress act as triggers for this behavior, as both stressors could drive individuals to retreat into fantasy as a coping mechanism.

They also examined vulnerable narcissism, a personality trait characterized by hypersensitivity to criticism, feelings of inadequacy, and defensiveness. Unlike grandiose narcissism, which involves overt arrogance and entitlement, vulnerable narcissism is more inwardly focused, often stemming from deep-seated insecurities and attachment anxieties.

Mindfulness and rumination were included as key mediators in the study, as both are known to influence how individuals process stress and rejection. Mindfulness refers to the ability to focus on the present moment with a non-judgmental attitude. It is associated with improved emotional regulation, reduced stress, and better coping strategies.

Conversely, rumination involves repetitive, negative thought patterns that often exacerbate emotional distress. When people ruminate, they dwell on their problems without actively seeking solutions, which can lead to feelings of helplessness and prolonged suffering.

“The topic of stress and ghosting intrigued me because of its prevalence and the negative impacts it has on its victims—not only in romantic relationships but also in professional settings,” said study author Quang Dao Pham of Ural Federal University.

“I’ve heard personal accounts from individuals who reported experiencing repetitive negative thought cycles and becoming trapped in these patterns, which caused significant distress. In my view, this distress can trigger defensive mechanisms such as maladaptive daydreaming and narcissistic tendencies, leading individuals to focus excessively on themselves without accurate and comprehensive self-reflection.”

“Considering this, mindfulness emerged as a promising approach to help bring the mind back to the present. Our research results showed that mindfulness could indeed have positive effects for those dealing with stress and ghosting experiences.”

For their study, the researchers surveyed 301 university students in Vietnam to examine the effects of ghosting and stress on maladaptive daydreaming and vulnerable narcissism. Participants were recruited through social media platforms, and all had experienced ghosting in some form, whether in romantic, platonic, or professional relationships.

The study revealed associations between ghosting, stress, and psychological outcomes such as maladaptive daydreaming and vulnerable narcissism. Participants who reported higher levels of stress or more frequent ghosting experiences tended to engage in more excessive and immersive daydreaming and displayed stronger tendencies toward vulnerable narcissism, including defensiveness and hypersensitivity to criticism. These experiences were also linked to lower levels of mindfulness, suggesting a reduced ability to focus on the present moment. Additionally, higher levels of stress and ghosting were associated with increased rumination.

Mindfulness and rumination were found to mediate the relationships between stress, ghosting, and the psychological outcomes studied. This suggests that the way in which people process their experiences—either by focusing on the present moment or becoming trapped in repetitive negative thoughts—might influence the extent to which stress and ghosting are linked to maladaptive daydreaming and vulnerable narcissism.

The findings also pointed to a relationship between mindfulness and rumination, indicating that these factors might interact. Lower mindfulness was associated with higher rumination, and this combination appeared to coincide with more frequent maladaptive behaviors and personality traits. For instance, reduced mindfulness linked to stress or ghosting could correspond to greater immersion in negative thought patterns, which in turn might relate to feelings of inadequacy or an inclination toward daydreaming.

“It is crucial to understand that stress and ghosting can occur in various contexts and at different levels, often pulling us into maladaptive coping mechanisms,” Pham told PsyPost. “When you sense that something is amiss, allow yourself to experience those feelings, but also take care to observe your experiences carefully—this practice, which we call mindfulness, can help you gradually discern the meaning of those experiences without becoming overwhelmed by them.”

But as with all research, there are some caveats to consider. Although stress and ghosting were associated with maladaptive daydreaming and vulnerable narcissism, these factors explained only part of the variation in the outcomes. The combined influence of stress, ghosting, mindfulness, and rumination accounted for 38% of the variability in maladaptive daydreaming and 34% in vulnerable narcissism. This suggests that other factors, such as personal resilience, social support, or additional stressors, may also play a role in these psychological outcomes.

Furthermore, as a cross-sectional study, it cannot establish causality, only associations. “In the future, longitudinal studies are necessary to confirm causal relationships,” Pham said. “Additionally, examining the differences in mindfulness approaches across cultures holds great potential for uncovering fascinating insights.”

The study, “How ghosting and stress impact vulnerable narcissism and maladaptive daydreaming: The role of mindfulness and rumination,” was authored by Quang Dao Pham and Anna Alexandrovna Pecherkina.