Beyond Reality Avoidance: Unraveling the Paradox of Escapism Through Self‐Monitoring and Autonomy Mechanisms for Consumers' Life Satisfaction

ABSTRACT This study introduces the Paradox of Escapism, exploring how the act of escaping reality can evolve from a short‐term avoidance strategy to a mechanism for self‐regulation and enhanced life satisfaction. Employing five rigorous, multimethod investigations, including qualitative interviews and sentiment analysis (Study 1), Structural Equation Modeling combined with Necessary Condition Analysis (Study 2, N = 521), and two Experimental manipulations of escapism, flow, and autonomy (Studies 3 and 4, N = 314, and N = 320), the research delineates the conditions under which escapism transitions from maladaptive avoidance to growth‐oriented behavior. Results indicate that while avoidance‐focused escapism may hinder self‐reflection, it facilitates coping and self‐awareness when it shifts into flow states, particularly under conditions of perceived high autonomy. Ultimately, the findings reposition escapism as a self‐regulatory process, with flow and autonomy serving as critical boundary conditions that transform psychological relief into opportunities for personal development.