Fantasies

Fantasies are not frivolous. They can be entertaining, distracting, frightening, even arousing, but they also allow for creativity and help us plan for the future. As long as we don't mistake fantasies for reality (as in delusional disorder and schizophrenia) or let them become too rigid (as in paraphilias) they provide a necessary escape from the here and now.

Alternate Realities

The Power of Play

Having fun is no trivial pursuit.

by Hara Estroff Marano

Conversation: Wouldn't It Be Funny If...

The art of the comical hypothetical.

by Mark Peters

Worldplay: One Cure for Imagination Deficit Disorder

Inventing make-believe worlds cures "imagination deficit disorder."

by Michele and Robert Root-Bernstein in Imagine That!

Are All Memoirs Fiction?

Searching for the elusive non-fiction memoir.

by Nicole Dudukovic, Ph.D. in Remember the Alamo

Impossible Experiments

What's an impossible psychology experiment you would love to do?

by Matthew Hutson in Brainstorm

See Also

Sexual Fantasies

Why Do Women Have Erotic Rape Fantasies?

Several potential explanations for rape fantasies.

by Matthew Hutson in Brainstorm

Why Dominant Women Enjoy Sexual Submission Fantasies, Part 1

Assertive ladies like handing over the reins in bed.

by Matthew Hutson in Brainstorm

The Darker Side of Fantasy

Are you ever disturbed or turned off by your own fantasies? You're not alone.

by Camille Chatterjee

In Your Dreams

Why anxious women fantasize about anonymous sex.

by Matthew Hutson

Threesomes are every man's fantasy

I am frequently asked to comment on sexual fantasies

by Dr. Steven Lamm in Great Sex

Fantasies During Sex: Welcome Them

Sex is mutual meditation.

by Michael Castleman in All About Sex

See Also

Fantasy in Fiction

The Metanormal in Fantasy Literature

Fantasy literature, cartoons, movies, and science fiction offer a rich imagery of human transformation.

by PT Staff

7 Questions: Clive Barker

The prince of darkness on the art of horror.

by Matthew Hutson

Media: Happily Ever After

Fictional tales boost fantasies about reality.

by Matthew Hutson

Novel Delights

Reading books can help you read minds.

by Marina Krakovsky

Why Don't We Doubt Spider-Man's Existence? (1)

In fictions, our brains believe the impossible. Why?

by Norman N. Holland, Ph.D. in This is Your Brain on Culture

Bloodlust: What Women Want

Forbidden love and the vampire takeover.

by Sophie Chen

See Also

What Could Be, What Might Have Been

Avoiding What Might Have Been

Avoiding thoughts about how things could have been better.

by Timothy A. Pychyl, Ph.D. in Don't Delay

Cudda, Shudda, Wudda

Counterfactual thinking enhances mood and performance.

by PT Staff

When I Was a Child, I Thought As a Child

Understanding how children think can improve family life.

by Jean Mercer, Ph.D. in Child Myths

What if You Hadn't Read This?

The study of counterfactual thinking.

by PT Staff

See Also

Daydreams

Are Your Daydreams Stuck in a Rut?

Seven ways to jump-start your imagination.

by Amy Fries in The Power of Daydreaming

Devoted to Distraction

It's ok to let your mind wander.

by Josie Glausiusz

The Dynamic Duo: Imagination + Knowledge

Study confirms robust daydreaming and superior intelligence are connected.

by Amy Fries in The Power of Daydreaming

See Also

Visualization

Mind Your Body: Going Through the Motions

Mental practice makes perfect.

by Matthew Hutson

Train Your Attention: Two Easy Strategies to Get Started

Two easy strategies to boost brain power.

by Joseph Cardillo in Attention Training

Body Think

Solving this primate puzzler involves thinking with body feelings.

by Michele and Robert Root-Bernstein in Imagine That!

Visions of Victory

Performance enhancement strategies from a top sports psychologist.

by Steven Ungerleider

See Also

Fantasies Tests

Paranormal Beliefs

Do you believe in the Supernatural?
More Tests

The Latest on Fantasies

Work and daydreaming really do go together...honest! by Amy Fries
Are fictions preferable to life? by Peter G. Stromberg, Ph.D.
Study confirms robust daydreaming and superior intelligence are connected. by Amy Fries
Avatar fans: wanting to live in the movie isn't insanity by Peter G. Stromberg, Ph.D.
Godless philosophy merges with a good story. by Susan K. Perry, Ph.D.
Daydreams can help you keep resolutions alive all year by Amy Fries
Learning about yourself through Tiger Woods. by Kenneth J. Gergen, Ph.D.
Your Best Life from the Comfort of Your Lazy Boy by Angie LeVan
Visualizing "whirled peas" and other holiday survival tricks by Amy Fries
Do Women Truly Want a Window Into Male Sexuality? by Seth Meyers, Ph.D.

Fantasies Blogs

Current Issue

Heartbreak and Home Runs: The Power of First Experiences

How early life experiences shape our character.