The Psychology of Escapism: Why We Turn to Fantasy and Distraction

The simplest way to describe escapism comes from psychologist and cognitive behavioral therapist Mandy Kloppers, who defined it as the “practice of seeking distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by engaging in entertainment or engaging in fantasy.”

Sounds straightforward, but it is. There’s no way around it. Some people would rather dwell in their make-up world rather than face what’s really in front of them. Escaping, then, becomes not just an activity, but a routine or a way of life, detaching themselves from everyday stressors through activities that offer mental and emotional comfort. 

While illegal substances, the overuse of social media, binge eating, and gambling are some of the direct lines of escape, video games also provide a subtle route for gamers to momentarily disconnect themselves from their troubles. Even for just a couple of hours, they can be their alter-ego: a fighter, an elite sniper, a barbarian cleaning out hordes of enemies in a seemingly endless dungeon crawl. A successful mission or raid provides comfort and a sense of achievement that somewhat contrasts with what they are experiencing when they put down their controllers or turn off their PCs.

But what if a couple of hours are not enough? What if those casual level-ups turn out to be days of nonstop gaming to the point that they would rather play instead of eating, going to school, or taking a bath? Too much escaping, or in this case, excessive playing, can lead to Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and avoidance behavior. 

According to Los Angeles-based clinical psychologist Michael G. Wetter, PsyD, avoidance is the “attempt to minimize and avert perceived threat, danger, or anxiety,” or the “function of avoidance to protect us from what we perceive to be a threat.” By connecting the dots, gamers escape to their virtual worlds because it is where they feel safe and secure, while real-world experiences breed fear and negativity. 

Escapism can be a good thing if done in moderation. There are other forms of escapism that come with positive outputs like reading, engaging in sports, or perfecting an art form. On the other hand, the negative effects of escapism include, among others, addiction (IGD), loss of employment, physical and mental health challenges, substance misuse, relationship issues, and avoidance of reality. 

Another escape theory-based research suggests that “escaping from self-actualization effectively means forgetting the responsibilities, demands, obligations, criticisms, and judgments stemming from daily life and instead engaging in an activity where it is possible to suppress conscious thinking for a moment.”

The theory also hypthesized that escapism may lead to increased drinking, disordered eating, religious exercise, masochism, or even suicide. 

There’s no harm in escaping once in a while. Travelling, taking a vacation leave, or just taking a breather are ways to relax and take it easy while maintaining a healthy connection with the real world. But if things go out of hand, then it’s time for a reality check.