The development of the Problematic Series WatchingScale (PSWS)

Abstract

Background and aimsThe goal of the present study was to create a short ProblematicSeries Watching Scale (PSWS).MethodsOn the basis of the six components model of Griffiths (2005), six items were identifiedcovering all components of problematic series watching. Confirmatoryfactor analyses were carried out on two independent samples (N1 = 366, N2 = 752).ResultsThe PSWS has appropriate factor structure and reliability. Theamount of free time was not, but the series watching time was associatedwith PSWS scores. Women had higher scores than men.DiscussionBefore PSWS, no prior scale has been created to measure problematicseries watching. Further research is needed to properly assess itsvalidity and reliability; and for examining whether extensive serieswatching can lead to health-related and psychosocial problems.ConclusionsIn the increasingly digitalized world there are many motivationalforces which encourage people watching online series. In the lightof these changes, research on problematic series watching will beprogressively relevant.

On the correlates of passion for screen-based behaviors: The case of impulsivity and the problematic and non-problematic Facebook use and TV series watching

“…This scale (Orosz et al, 2016) contained six items and used the theoretical framework of Griffiths (2005) that includes the core elements of problematic use, namely salience (series watching predominates the thinking of the individual), tolerance (compared to initial watching experience, increased amounts of series watching is necessary to achieve similar effects), mood modification (watching series to modify one's mood), relapse (instead of control or abstinence, one reverts back to earlier patterns of series watching), withdrawal (presence of unpleasant feeling when one cannot consume series), and conflict (watching series negatively effects relationships, work or other aspects of life). All items were summed together (α = .81).…”

“…Problematic Series Watching (Orosz et al, 2016) is based on the six-element model of Griffiths (2005) including mood modification, tolerance, withdrawal, relapse, high salience, and conflict with other activities. The other two aspects of series watching refer to its non-problematic nature.…”

“…For example, among the positive ones, we can mention social interactions derived from watching series (e.g., Babrow, 1987), having either virtual or real-life companionship instead of being lonely (BondadBrown et al, 2012), being entertained by watching series (Perse & Rubin, 1988), or learning new languages and skills with the help of series (Alexander, 1985). On the other hand, problematic series watching-in terms of watching more series than initially intended or ignoring partner, family members, or friends-could be mentioned as a potential negative outcome (Orosz, Bőthe, & Tóth-Király, 2016). Based on these similarities, it can be hypothesized that the nature of nonproblematic and problematic outcomes associated with series watching and Facebook involvement are similar and may depend on how one engages in the activity.…”

Binge-Watching: What Do we Know So Far? A First Systematic Review of the Evidence

“…The reviewed studies primarily focused on: (1) the investigation of factors (e.g., personality traits, psychopathology) related to binge-watching (58% of the studies); (2) the identification of binge-watching motivations (25%); (3) the development and validation of related measurement instruments (17%); (4) the characterization of bingewatching frequency (13%) and its definition (8%); and (5) the experimental testing of its impact on audience engagement (8%). The flourishing of binge-watching research over recent years is reflected by the growing number of scholarly articles, with the first one published in 2015 [17], 2 in 2016 [18,19], 7 in 2017 [20-26], 9 in 2018 [27-35] and already 5 released in 2019 [36][37][38][39][40]. In most instances, these studies were carried out in the United States (n = 12), while the remaining ones took place in Belgium (n = 2), Hungary (n = 2), South Korea (n = 2), Australia (n = 1), China (n = 1), Germany (n = 1), Poland (n = 1), the United Arab Emirates (n = 1), and the United Kingdom (n = 1).…”

Binge-Watching Behaviour: The Role of Impulsivity and Depressive Symptoms

“…Neglect of important tasks and duties, sleeping problems, fatigue, reduced social contacts and long-term health issues related to inactivity and unhealthy eating are only a few prominent examples [9,10]. Some researchers also stress the possibly addictive nature binge-watching might acquire for some individuals and discuss characteristics problematic binge-watching might share with substance-related or behavioural addictions, for example, loss of control over watching, neglect of other activities, and watching to cope with negative emotions [11]. However, it is important to acknowledge also differences to addictive behaviours.…”