Measurement of fantasy focus on positive function

A fantasy is an inner activity that does not have a clear purpose, thus it is often considered to be meaningless. On the other hand, fantasy allows for thinking from another angle and production of art. In the present study, we focused on the positive aspects of fantasy in 259 female university students. A questionnaire was used to examine the relationships of fantasy with mental health and creativity (fantasy proneness questionnaire), as well as sensory (somatic sensation) and self-consciousness (sense of agency) sensations. We also employed a questionnaire regarding mental imagery and a test of attention and interpersonal style. Furthermore, 40 items from the Imagery Process Inventory (Singer and Antrobus, 1966) were used. Based on the results, we performed factor, correlation, and multiple regression analyses. We noted 6 factors for fantasy proneness based on the questionnaire answers; vivid body sensation image, distractibility, personal self-revelation, scattered awareness, future perspective, and need for external stimulation. Of those, vivid body sensation image uses various somatic sensations from the body and has a clear sense of purpose. Furthermore, that factor showed a positive relationship with self-esteem and intellectual expression, indicating that this type of fantasy may have an association with creativity