Construction and Validation of the Binge-Watching Addiction Scale (BiWAS): Validity, Reliability, and Measurement Invariance in a Large Multinational Adult Sample From the Middle East

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Over the past decade, wide-spreading streaming platforms have given rise to new ways of consuming TV series, but also to the potential for harmful excessive use and the concept of binge-watching addiction. This highlights a clear need for developing a deeper understanding of this emerging behavioral phenomenon that threatens human physical and mental health. Our present research endeavor intended to investigate the psychometric characteristics of a brief measure of binge-watching addiction designed on the basis of components that theoretically reflect the 6 facets operationalizing the concept the behavioral addiction, i.e. the Binge-Watching Addiction Scale (BiWAS). METHOD: We carried out a multisite research study among 4092 participants from 5 Arab countries (i.e., Palestine, Jordan, Oman, Egypt, and Lebanon) during the period September-October 2025. RESULTS: Factorial Structure Analysis showed that the single-factor model that was postulated was an acceptable fit, except for the RMSEA value. Internal consistency of the instrument's global score was satisfactory, with a Cronbach's alpha of .78. In addition, the BiWAS featured adequate configural, metric, and scalar invariance across the 2 sexes and the 5 country groups. Furthermore, BiWAS scores showed significant positive correlations with higher smartphone addiction, increased psychological distress, more severe insomnia, and greater fatigue levels. CONCLUSION: Results indicated that the BiWAS is a psychometrically valid and reliable scale in both sexes and all countries involved in this study. It is hoped that the new scale will open up possibilities for quantitatively based investigations of binge-watching thus contributing to deepen our knowledge of this prominent phenomenon and enhance understanding of the mechanisms involved in increased vulnerability to becoming addicted. Further studies are warranted to offer additional information and a more comprehensive understanding of the scale's performance across different populations, cultures and societies across the globe.