Symbolic fantasy = internal meaning, comfort, imagination, aspirational tales, myths, legends, mythic resonance, heroism, beauty, growth, learning, mastery, creativity. We save our world and get the girl. We save other worlds and get their girls too. The stars belong to us. Struggle has meaning. Adversity breeds growth. We kill mad tyrants and foreign dictators and rule wisely, and put the world back in balance. Make everything like it should be.
Delusional fantasy = external claims, demands imposed on others, lies imposed on reality, entitlement, hostility when challenged, empty power fantasies where nothing matters except standing atop the pile by any means necessary so you can safely be as cruel as you've always wanted to be. Adversity is trauma that makes you worse and excuses worse behaviour. Nothing matters more than you and the identity you made up.
