A Bad Habit for Your Health? An Exploration of Psychological Factors for Binge Watching Behavior

• In Event: Potential Health Concerns Associated With Media Engagement

Abstract

This study explored the relationships between psychological variables – loneliness, depression and self-regulation deficiency – and binge watching, a behavior closely related to addiction and other types of binge behavior. In addition, this study examined the differences between binge viewers and non-binge viewers on those key psychological variables. The extent to which each of the three psychological factors influenced binge watching behavior was also investigated. Findings from this study further revealed that loneliness, depression and self-regulation deficiency were positively related to binge watching. In particular, this study found that self-regulation deficiency is the most important factor to predict binge watching behavior among the three factors. Findings from this study should contribute to the understanding of factors related to binge watching behavior. This study also provides the baseline results needed to further explore antecedents of binge watching and its consequences.

Authors

• Yoon Hi Sung, U of Texas - Austin

• Eun Yeon Kang, U of Texas - Austin

• Wei-Na Lee, U of Texas - Austin