Poerio_et_al_2015_-_Helping_the_heart_grow_fonder_during_absence.pdf (181.16 kB)
Helping the heart grow fonder during absence: daydreaming about significant others replenishes connectedness after induced loneliness
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 21:53 authored by Giulia L Poerio, Peter Totterdell, Lisa-Marie Emerson, Eleanor MilesEleanor MilesPeople are known to engage in behaviours aimed at replenishing social connectedness after their sense of belonging is threatened. We explored whether the mental strategy of daydreaming about significant others could have similar effects by acting as an imaginary substitute when loved ones are unavailable. Following a loneliness induction, participants (N = 126) were asked to either daydream about a significant other, daydream about a non-social scenario or complete a control task. Social daydreamers showed significantly increased feelings of connection, love and belonging compared to non-social daydreamers and control participants. Consistent with the proposition that social daydreaming replenished connectedness, social daydreamers also behaved more pro-socially and expressed less of a desire to interact with others after daydreaming. These findings demonstrate that through imagination, social daydreaming can replenish connectedness providing a potential strategy for enhancing socioemotional well-being.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Cognition and EmotionISSN
0269-9931Publisher
Taylor & FrancisExternal DOI
Issue
6Volume
30Page range
1197-1207Department affiliated with
- Psychology Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2015-07-27First Open Access (FOA) Date
2016-12-06First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2015-07-27Usage metrics
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