The role of affective temperaments in binge watching addiction

Binge-watching is a new type of behaviour that has started to gain popularity since 2013 and is defined as “watching multiple episodes of TV series (at least two to six) in a single session”. Binge-watching is a phenomenon that affects the general population up to over 65 years of age, with a trend in the 18–39 age group. It is plausible to think that affective temperament dimensions may have an impact on the excessive use of watching serious TV. The affective temperaments play a significant role on motivated behaviour, impulsivity, and decision-making of binge watching. This behaviour provides instant gratification, leading a person to lose self-control. The aim of the present study is to learn about the possible role of affective temperaments on motivated behaviour, impulsivity, and decision-making of binge watching in the general Italian population. Methods The sample consisted of 1,701 subject belonging Italian population. Data were collected by an online survey including the Binge-Watching Addiction Questionnaire (BWAQ) and the short form of the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego (TEMPS-A) questionnaire. A multivariate regression analysis, in which the BWAQ variables (Anticipation, Avoidance, Craving, Dependency) were considered dependent variables and all the TEMPS-A factors were included in the equation, was performed to assess what kind of temperamental dimension could play the role of specific predictor towards the different aspects of binge watching. Results Anxious and cyclothymic temperaments are highly significant. The factors that have a weaker impact on the dependent variables (significance at the 5 % level) are depressive and hyperthymic temperaments on the craving and avoidance dimensions, respectively. The irritable temperament is significant at the 5 % level for the models associated with the avoidance and dependency dimensions. Conclusion In summary, the results of multivariate regression analysis show that subjects with anxious and cyclothymic temperaments have a higher risk of engaging in binge-watching behaviour. It is important to obtain further knowledge on the psychological consequences of this phenomenon for future diagnosis, prevention and therapeutic implementations.