To daydream is to imagine events: Conceptual,empirical,and theoretical considerations

Abstract

We propose defining daydreaming as “imagining events.” In support, we give a brief account of past daydreaming research and the various definitions of daydreaming, whether stated or implied, in those works. We argue that this variation in definition, and in particular the equating of daydreaming with mind-wandering, is problematic. Our definition represents the core of the concept, resists conflation with mind-wandering and, of scientific benefit, does not entail a strong theoretical position.