A new measure to assess creative and imaginative fantasy

The objective of this study is the construction and validation of a comprehensive self-report measure of fantasy. Unlike previous measures of fantasy, which focus on psychopathology, the current questionnaire conceives of fantasy as a trait with a positive connotation. Exploratory as well as confirmatory factor analyses provided support for a two-factorial conceptualization of the construct, with the dimensions Imaginative Fantasy and Creative Fantasy. The trait measure showed good internal consistency, test-retest reliability as well as discriminant and convergent construct validity. Moreover, in three separate studies we provided behavioral evidence and further support of validity. The conclusion is that a comprehensive measure of fantasy can contribute to the understanding of individual differences in inner experiences, creative processes, and problem solving