University of Twente Student Theses
Escaping through streaming services : The relationship between positive and negative escape-coping and self-regulation
Kühn, A. (2020) Escaping through streaming services : The relationship between positive and negative escape-coping and self-regulation.
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Abstract: | Introduction. In the past, research has emphasized the physiological impacts of streaming services on the individual. However, little research has been done about streaming services as a coping tool, helping people to escape from their outer world. This manner of coping, also referred to as (media-) escaping, sheds light on positive as well as negative consequences for an individual’s mental health and the ability to engage in self-regulating activities. Aim. The aim of this research was to identify whether there is a relationship between (media-) escaping and self-regulation. Methods. This study was conducted quantitively using an online questionnaire. The convenience sample was composed of 209 participants, with the majority being students. Negative and positive (media-) escaping was measured by using the subscales “coping/escapism” (negative) and “enrichment” (positive) of the Watching TV Series Motives Questionnaire (WTSMQ). In addition, the Short Form Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SSRQ) was used to assess self-regulation. This study used a correlational design and because the data was not normally distributed, the non-parametric test Spearman’s Rho was used. Results. Outcomes revealed significant relationships between positive/negative (media-) escaping and self-regulation. In essence, the relationship between negative (media-) escaping and self-regulation was moderately strong and negative (r_(s ) = - .484). Besides, the relationship between positive (media-) escaping and self-regulation was weak and positive (r_(s ) = .257). Mean scores for negative (media-) escaping (M = 2.52) as well as positive (media-) escaping (M = 2.6) were above the midpoint of the scale, indicating higher agreement levels for the corresponding escape reasons. With hindsight to self-regulation, the mean score was well above midpoint of the scale (M = 4.73), indicating a higher self-regulation of the sample. Conclusion. From the current study it can be concluded that participants who had a lower level of self-regulation were more likely to use online streaming services as a strategy to engage in negative (media-) escape coping. In addition, participants with a higher level of self-regulation were more likely to use online streaming services as a way to reward and enrich themselves. In practice, health science should not solely relate (media-) escape coping to health and self-regulation deficits. Instead, the outcomes regarding positive (media-) escaping can serve as a starting point for further research on causality matters and as a support for healthcare to educate about a healthier media-coping. Keywords: (Media-) escaping, self-regulation, online streaming services |
Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
Subject: | 77 psychology |
Programme: | Psychology BSc (56604) |
Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/81727 |
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