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Negative Affect and Problematic Binge-Watching: The Mediating Role of Unconstructive Ruminative Thinking Style
Pauline Billaux1,2, Joël Billieux1,3, Leonie Gärtner3
1Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Problematic binge-watching may stem from using TV series viewing as a maladaptive emotion regulation strategy. Unconstructive rumination mediates the link between negative feelings and binge-watching, especially for coping and escapism.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Media Studies
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Binge-watching, defined as viewing multiple TV episodes consecutively, is a widespread behavior.
- Problematic binge-watching is poorly understood, with theories suggesting addiction or maladaptive emotion regulation.
- Existing research lacks a clear distinction between non-problematic and problematic binge-watching patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate problematic binge-watching as a maladaptive emotion regulation strategy.
- To examine the mediating role of unconstructive rumination between negative affect and problematic binge-watching.
- To differentiate between non-binge-watchers, trouble-free binge-watchers, and problematic binge-watchers.
Main Methods:
- A process-based approach was employed, analyzing data from an online survey.
- Participants (N=306) were categorized into non-binge-watchers, trouble-free binge-watchers, or problematic binge-watchers.
- Methods included group comparisons and mediation analyses assessing TV viewing habits, motives, rumination, and affect.
Main Results:
- Trouble-free binge-watchers showed minimal overlap with problematic binge-watchers, highlighting distinct behavioral patterns.
- Unconstructive rumination partially mediated the association between negative affect and binge-watching for coping/escapism.
- Unconstructive rumination fully accounted for the link between negative affect and positive emotions derived from binge-watching in problematic viewers.
Conclusions:
- Problematic binge-watching may function as a strategy to bolster maladaptive emotion regulation.
- Unconstructive rumination plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between negative affect and problematic binge-watching.
- Findings underscore the importance of distinguishing between different binge-watching behaviors and their underlying psychological mechanisms.
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