The Interplay between Binge Watching and Suicide Risk

Daytime Sleepiness and Maladaptive Daydreaming as Mediators

Bibliographic Data

ID5933779
AuthorsValeria Saladino (0000-0002-5659-1036, Università degli studi di Cassino e del Lazio Meridionale), Danilo Calaresi (0000-0002-9447-2433, Magna Graecia University, corresponding author), Francesca Cuzzocrea (0000-0002-3527-2386, Magna Graecia University), Valeria Verrastro (0000-0002-7674-727X, Magna Graecia University)
Year2024
Volume13
Issue6
Pages283
Publication date2024-05-26
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial Sciences (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2076-0760 • E-ISSN: 2076-0760
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/socsci13060283
OpenAlexW4399043460
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited35

Binge watching, which entails consecutively viewing numerous episodes of a TV series or a selection of movies over an extended timeframe, often without pause, is notably widespread among young adults skilled in digital media usage. Nevertheless, this escalating habit can lead to problematic and addictive behavior, with potential associations including disruptions in sleep patterns, dreaming, and an elevated risk of suicide. The primary objective of this research was to assess whether daytime sleepiness and maladaptive daydreaming may impact the connection between binge watching and suicide risk and whether the hypothesized model is gender invariant. Self-report questionnaires were administered to a sample of 1012 emerging adults (50% girls) aged 18-25 (M = 21.73, SD = 2.28). Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), structural equation modeling (SEM) with latent variables, and multiple-group path analysis (MGPA) were conducted. All direct and indirect paths were found to be statistically significant, and gender was found to be invariant. Specifically, the findings highlighted that higher binge watching, coupled with daytime sleepiness and maladaptive daydreaming, heightened suicide risk in both genders. Binge watching and sleep and dream issues are important factors to consider in the assessment of suicide risk, particularly among emerging adults who are already at a higher risk. It is thus important to prioritize the promotion of healthy media habits

Binge drinking · Injury prevention · Medical emergency · Poison control · Suicide prevention · Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes · Clinical Psychology · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Medicine · Mind wandering and attention · Psychology

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