Fantasy-proneness dimensionalized: Dissociative component is related to psychopathology, daydreaming as such is not

Studies of “fantasy-proneness” have suggested a modest relationship with psychopathology, contradicting previous findings of daydreaming as a normal part of human consciousness. To resolve this inconsistency, principal-components analyses of the chief fantasy-proneness measure, the Inventory of Childhood Memories and Imaginings (ICMI), produced 18 weak ICMI dimensions. Only a two-component solution accounting for 20% of variance was moderately stable. Component 1 reflects vivid, compelling mental imagery and parapsychological beliefs, and relates significantly to psychological disorders and professional treatment. Component 2 reflects imaginativeness and enjoyment of make-believe and, like Positive-Constructive Daydreaming, is largely unrelated to disorder scores. “Fantasy-proneness” is a misleading label for factorially complex ICMI full-scale scores.