IMAGINING THE INTANGIBLE – A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH REPORT ON THE SUBJECTIVE EXPERIENCE IN FANTASY
IMAGINING THE INTANGIBLE – A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH REPORT ON THE SUBJECTIVE EXPERIENCE IN FANTASY

Summary/Abstract: Defining the nature of fantasy within the scope of research in psychology is challenging. The term fantasy relates to imaginative activity, internal representation, daydreaming and mental imagery as well to the productive use of imagination and creativity. The concept of fantasy proneness is proposed as a stable trait-like syndrome that involves engaging in vivid fantasies, daydreaming and concomitant perception. The present study introduces a research approach to fantasy that explores aspects of meaning, affect and motivation in imaginative activity. The paper reports findings from qualitative analysis on the subjective experiences and understanding of the phenomenon of fantasy. A semi-structured interview was employed as a research method in the first study of fantasy in a Bulgarian adult sample. A total of 27 people participated in the study. That included 11 males and 15 females (average age of 42.8 years) and one boy at the age of 7. Fantasy is generally conceived as a universal experiential phenomenon in the quest for the unattainable. The central role of desire is notable in reported data. It is recognized as a central feature in potentiating fantasy contents and triggering imaginative activity. An interesting trend is documented in experiential states of fantasy. Participants recognize active and passive sense of agency in imaginings. A critical thinking attitude towards aspects of fantasy experience is consistently reported across all participants. Most participants perceive fantasizing as a private positive experience related to desire, respite and sensation seeking. Yet a similar proportion of participants’ responses considers difficulties in imaginative experience. Common words and phrases related to fantasy are reported. Research findings support scientific efforts in formulating a testable theoretical model on the structure and functions of fantasy in experiential and social and cultural domain of human activity.

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