Blueberries & Research

Research

Definitions

• Google
• the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy.
• Dictionary.com
• the avoidance of reality by absorption of the mind in entertainment or in an imaginative situation, activity, etc.
• Wikipedia
• Escapism is mental diversion from unpleasant aspects of daily life, typically through activities involving imagination or entertainment. Escapism also may be used to occupy one's self away from persistent feelings of depression or general sadness.
• Escapism in Psychology:
• Healthier Types of Distractions (verywellhealth.com)
• In psychology, escapism is when a person routinely uses an activity or behavior to escape life's realities

Negative Effects of Escapism(unhealthy)

• Some of the adverse effects of escapism include
• Addiction
• Decreased productivity
• Loss of job
• Mental health challenges
• Not accomplishing goals
• Physical health challenges
• Poor performance
• Substance misuse
• Relationship challenges
• Withdrawal

Healthy

• Mood repair
• Relaxation

Causes

• Big life changes (even if positive change)
• Trama (memories of traumatic situation)
•  Feelings
•  sadness, fear, depression, anxiety, exhaustion, and lack of self-esteem all increase the desire to escape.
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Examples

• Media
• : Spending time on social media, playing online or electronic games, scrolling the internet, or watching shows or movies
• Physical activity:
•  Team or individual sports, exercise, running, walking, or any form of physical activity
• Work:
•  Getting absorbed into a job, school, or a work-related task or goal
• Shopping: 
• Sometimes referred to as shop therapy or retail therapy, overspending or buying things that are not needed as a way of avoiding negative emotions
• Substances: 
• Use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs
• Overeating:
•  Eating more of anything than necessary for nourishment; typically involves excess sweets or ultra-processed foods
• Daydreaming:
•  Using the mind and thoughts to imagine various scenarios or possibilities that may or may not be realistic
• Literature:
•  Reading books to get involved in stories that take away from the realities of life
• Other addictive behaviors: 
• Gambling, sex, or pornography addictions