Overcoming the unitary exploration of binge-watching: A cluster analytical approach

Background and aims: Binge-watching (i.e., watching multiple episodes of a TV series in one session) has recently become standard practice among TV series viewers; this expansion generates concerns regarding the potential negative outcomes associated with this habit. However, the investigation of its psychological correlates remains fragmentary, with few initial studies a priori conceptualizing this behavior as a new addictive disorder. This study explored these psychological correlates using cluster analysis of binge-watching behavior based on three key psychological factors: motivations, impulsivity, and emotional reactivity. Methods: An online survey was completed by 4,039 TV series viewers. Data were analyzed using hierarchical and non-hierarchical cluster analyses, the validity of the clusters being finally determined through mutual comparisons with a selection of external correlates. Results: Four clusters were identified: recreational TV series viewers (presenting low involvement in binge-watching), regulated binge-watchers (moderately involved), avid binge-watchers (presenting elevated but non-problematic involvement), and unregulated binge-watchers (presenting potentially problematic involvement associated with negative outcomes). Discussion and conclusions: This study underlines the heterogeneous and multidetermined nature of binge-watching. Our findings suggest that high engagement in binge-watching is distinct from problematic binge-watching, thus reinforcing the notion that conceptualizing binge-watching as an addictive disorder is of low relevance and might actually lead to the overpathologization of this highly popular leisure activit

Psychometric Properties of the Multidimensional Assessment of Covid-19-Related Fears (MAC-RF) in French-Speaking Healthcare Professionals and Community Adults

The Multidimensional Assessment of COVID-19-Related Fears (MAC-RF) is an 8-item self-report measure, which is based on the theoretical premise that fear responses to COVID-19 involve different yet intertwined domains (i.e., bodily, relational, cognitive, and behavioural). In this multi-step study, we tested the psychometric properties of the French version of the MAC-RF and examined the reciprocal relationships among COVID-19-related fears. Data were collected in two French-speaking samples (N = 521 individuals from the community and N = 328 healthcare professionals). Internal reliability, convergent validity, construct validity, and internal structure of the MAC-RF were tested. The French version of the MAC-RF demonstrated good psychometric properties and a two-factor structure, with bodily and relational fears tapping into the first factor, and cognitive and behavioural fears tapping into the second factor. Healthcare professionals reported greater COVID-19-related fears than community participants. Correlation network analysis showed that fear for one’s own body and fear of taking action might increase the risk of experiencing other COVID-19-related fears. Limitations comprised the cross-sectional design of the study, risk of bias associated with self-report instruments, and use of online surveys. A careful assessment of different types of fear related to COVID-19 may have implications for prevention and clinical practice during the current coronavirus pandemic. The French version of the MAC-RF is valid and reliable and can thus be used for this purpose

Predictors of Cyberchondria during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study using supervised machine learning.

BACKGROUND Cyberchondria is characterized by repeated and compulsive online searches for health information, resulting in increased health anxiety and distress. It has been conceptualized as a multi-dimensional construct fueled by both anxiety and compulsivity-related factors and described as a "transdiagnostic compulsive behavioral syndrome" which is associated with health anxiety, problematic internet use and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Cyberchondria is not included in the ICD-11 or the DSM-5, and its defining features, etiological mechanisms and assessment continue to be debated. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate changes in the severity of cyberchondria during the pandemic and identify predictors of cyberchondria at this time. METHODS Data collection started on May 4, 2020 and ended on June 10, 2020, which corresponds to the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe. At the time the present study took place, French-speaking countries in Europe (France, Switzerland, Belgium and Luxembourg) all implemented lockdown or semi-lockdown measures. The survey consisted of a questionnaire collecting demographic information (sex, age, education level and country of residence) and information on socioeconomic circumstances during the first lockdown (e.g., economic situation, housing and employment status), and was followed by several instruments assessing various psychological and health-related constructs. Inclusion criteria for the study were being at least 18 years of age and having a good understanding of French. Self-report data were collected from 725 participants aged 18 to 77 years (mean 33.29, SD 12.88 years), with females constituting the majority (416/725, 57.4%). RESULTS The results show that the COVID-19 pandemic affected various facets of cyberchondria: cyberchondria-related distress and interference with functioning increased (distress z=-3.651, P<.001; compulsion z=-5.697, P<.001), whereas the reassurance facet of cyberchondria decreased (z=-6.680, P<.001). Also, COVID-19-related fears and health anxiety emerged as the strongest predictors of cyberchondria-related distress and interference with functioning during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide evidence about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cyberchondria and identify factors that should be considered in efforts to prevent and manage cyberchondria at times of public health crises. Also, they are consistent with the theoretical model of cyberchondria during the COVID-19 pandemic proposed by Starcevic and his colleagues in 2020. In addition, the findings have implications for the conceptualization and future assessment of cyberchondria

Disentangling the role of users' preferences and impulsivity traits in problematic Facebook use.

The use of social network sites (SNSs) has grown dramatically. Numerous studies have shown that SNS users may suffer from excessive use, associated with addictive-like symptoms. With a focus on the popular SNS Facebook (FB), our aims in the current study were twofold: First, to explore the heterogeneity of FB usage and determine which kind of FB activity predicts problematic usage; second, to test whether specific impulsivity facets predict problematic use of FB. To this end, a sample of FB users (N = 676) completed an online survey assessing usage preferences (e.g., types of activities performed), symptoms of problematic FB use and impulsivity traits. Results indicated that specific usage preferences (updating one's status, gaming via FB, and using notifications) and impulsive traits (positive and negative urgency, lack of perseverance) are associated to problematic FB use. This study underscores that labels such as FB "addiction" are misleading and that focusing on the actual activities performed on SNSs is crucial when considering dysfunctional usage. Furthermore, this study clarified the role of impulsivity in problematic FB use by building on a theoretically driven model of impulsivity that assumes its multidimensional nature. The current findings have identifiable theoretical and public health implications

Development, psychometric validation, and cross-cultural comparison of the “Instagram Motives Questionnaire” (IMQ) and the “Instagram Uses and Patterns Questionnaire” (IUPQ)

Background and aims Social network use is widespread, and the study of Instagram seems to have captured more attention in recent years. However, scale development and validation in the field has fallen short of providing sound scales of Instagram motives and usage patterns that consider the uniqueness of Instagram-related behavior. This paper describes the development, psychometric and cross-cultural validation of two new measurement instruments: the “Instagram Motives Questionnaire” (IMQ) and the “Instagram Uses and Patterns Questionnaire” (IUPQ). Methods and results A preliminary set of items was developed for each questionnaire based on a previous qualitative interview study on Instagram motives, uses, and consequences. In the first study, the questionnaires were distributed to a sample of 312 participants aged 18–35 years (M = 23.81; SD = 4.49), and an exploratory factor analysis was performed. A parsimonious and interpretable 6-factor solution that displayed adequate factor loadings and adequate Omega coefficients for both instruments were found. In a second study, the two instruments and other measures of known social network usage correlates and mental health consequences were administered online to 1,418 English-speaking participants aged 18–34 years (M = 21.35; SD = 3.89). Both scales showed good psychometric properties and the factor structure identified in study 1 was reproduced through confirmatory factor analysis. Omega reliability coefficients were adequate. Finally, when performing multi-group CFA along with a French (n = 1,826) and a Spanish (n = 3,040) sample, language and gender invariance were supported. Correlations with other relevant measures indicate good convergent validity of both scales. Conclusions The present research provides psychometrically sound instruments for further investigations on Instagram use behaviors

Dopamine Transporter and Reward Anticipation in a Dimensional Perspective : A Multimodal Brain Imaging Study

We would like to thank Christine Baron, Vincent Brulon, Stéphane LeHelleix, Stéphane Demphel, Claude Comtat, Frédéric Dollé, Philippe Gervais, and Renaud Maroy from the Service Hospitalier Frédéric Joliot for their efficient technical support and 11C radioligand preparation. They thank Marie Prat, Audrey Pepin, and Audrey Mabondo for their help in PET processing and Pr. Maria-Joao Santiago-Ribeiro and Dr Renaud de Beaurepaire for their involvement in the recruitment of participants.Peer reviewedPostprin

The Short French Internet Addiction Test adapted to online sexual activities: Validation and links with online sexual preferences and addiction symptoms.

The goal of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of a French version of the short Internet Addiction Test adapted to online sexual activities (s-IAT-sex). The French version of the s-IAT-sex was administered to a sample of 401 men. The participants also completed a questionnaire that screened for sexual addiction (PATHOS). The relationships of s-IAT-sex scores with time spent online for online sexual activities (OSAs) and the types of OSAs favored were also considered. Confirmatory analyses supported a 2-factor model of the s-IAT-sex, corresponding to the factorial structure found in earlier studies that used the short IAT. The first factor regroups loss of control and time management, whereas the second factor regroups craving and social problems. Internal consistency for each factor was evaluated with Cronbach’s coefficient, resulting in .87 for Factor 1, .76 for Factor 2, and .88 for the global scale. Concurrent validity was supported by relationships with symptoms of sexual addiction, types of OSAs practiced, and time spent online for OSAs. The prevalence of sexual addiction (measured by PATHOS) was 28.1% in the current sample of self-selected male OSA users. The French version of the s-IAT-sex presents good psychometric properties and constitutes a useful tool for researchers and practitioners

Les psychoses induites par la cocaïne

Introduction : La cocaïne fait désormais partie des principaux produits illicites consommés. Son usage touche principalement les sujets âgés entre 17 et 34 ans. L addiction à la cocaïne est associée à d importantes conséquences et comorbidités psychiatriques. La relation entre état délirant et cocaïne a fait l objet de peu de travaux.Matériel et méthode : Une revue de littérature a été réalisée. Nous avons sélectionné différents articles scientifiques de langue anglaise et française, publiés entre 1969 et 2009, en consultant les bases de données Medline, EMBASE, psycINFO, et google scholar. Les mots clés utilisés seuls ou en association sont les suivants : cocaine , cocaine psychosis , pharmacopsychosis , craving , abuse , et dependence .Résultats : Différents facteurs de risque ont été identifiés. Sur un terrain prédisposé, la prise de cocaïne peut être responsable d un trouble psychotique aigu transitoire. Ce tableau clinique débute dès les premières heures suivant la prise, se manifestent sous différentes formes et s amendent en moins de 48 heures après l arrêt de la consommation. La prise en charge doit être intégrée. Elle repose sur la combinaison d un traitement antipsychotique, la mise en place d un sevrage thérapeutique en cocaïne, et une prévention de la rechute. Des cas cliniques illustreront notre propos. Conclusion : Les psychoses induites par la cocaine constituent une entité bien définie au sein des pharmacopsychoses. Il est cependant nécessaire de développer d'autres travaux de recherche.ANGERS-BU Médecine-Pharmacie (490072105) / SudocSudocFranceF

Le modèle CAIMAN (Cocaine Addiction Imaging Medications And Neurotransmitters study) (un modèle d'étude clinique, pharmacologique et d'imagerie cérébrale dans l'addiction à la cocaïne)

L addiction à la cocaïne est une pathologie multifactorielle d installation progressive avec de nombreuses conséquences. Aucune pharmacothérapie n est actuellement validée pour son traitement. La synthèse récente des données pharmacologiques suggère que le modafinil, agissant sur de nombreux systèmes neurobiologiques, pourrait jouer un rôle dans le sevrage et dans la prévention de la rechute et ainsi améliorer le pronostic des patients dépendants. De nombreux essais cliniques ont été menés avec cette molécule. Il n existe aucune donnée sur les effets sur le transporteur de la dopamine (DAT), reflet de l activité dopaminergique, des principaux médicaments testés actuellement dans l addiction à la cocaïne. Des travaux récents montrent que le modafinil pourrait se comporter comme un inhibiteur du DAT. Cet agent pharmacologique, susceptible d inverser les phénomènes neuroadaptatifs induits par la consommation chronique de cocaïne, apparait être un candidat intéressant à étudier dans cette pathologie. Le modèle d étude CAIMAN comporte différents axes de travail : une mise à jour des connaissances sur les données cliniques de l addiction à la cocaïne, sur certaines complications (trouble psychotique induit, risque suicidaire, troubles cognitifs induits), une étude observationnelle sur les troubles cognitifs induits, la validation psychométrique du premier outil en langue française évaluant le craving en cocaïne (Cocaine Craving Questionnaire), une synthèse des données thérapeutique en pharmacologie et l évaluation de l impact du modafinil versus placebo à l aide de l imagerie cérébrale fonctionnelle chez les sujets dépendants à la cocaïne (PHRC national en cours).PARIS-BIUSJ-Biologie recherche (751052107) / SudocSudocFranceF