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

Abstract

The purpose of the present research was to look at the correlates of passion toward screen-based activities. In two studies, we aimed to test the role of impulsivity as a predictor of obsessive (but not harmonious) passion for Facebook use and series watching. We also aimed to distinguish between problematic and non-problematic correlates as pertains to Facebook use and TV series watching. Based on the Dualistic Model of Passion, it was hypothesized that Harmonious passion would be positively associated with adaptive correlates and Obsessive passion to less positive and even negative ones in both types of activities. In two studies, young adults (Study 1=256; Study 2=420) completed the Passion Scale with respect to Facebook use and series watching, respectively, the UPPS Impulsivity Scale, and scales measuring problematic and non-problematic correlates associated with engaging in such activities. The results provided support for the proposed model: Impulsivity predicted obsessive (but not harmonious) passion. Obsessive passion was positively associated with negative correlates such as Facebook overuse whereas harmonious passion was positively associated with adaptive correlates such as self-development through series watching. These results suggest that it is the type of passion underlying activity engagement that determines what is experienced.