The Relationship Between Self-Control and Binge-Watching Behavior among Guidance and Counseling Students at Universitas Negeri Medan

Authors

  • Asmaida Sihombing Universitas Negeri Medan, Indonesia
  • Erwita Ika Violina Universitas Negeri Medan, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66851/ijcp.v1i3.233

Keywords:

Self-control, Binge-watching, University students, Self-regulation

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between self-control and binge-watching behavior among students in the Guidance and Counseling Study Program at Universitas Negeri Medan. A quantitative approach with a correlational design was employed. The population comprised 949 students, and 177 students were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using the Self-Control Scale (SCS), originally developed by Tangney et al. (2004) and adapted into Indonesian, and the Binge-Watching Engagement and Symptoms Questionnaire (BWESQ), developed by Flayelle et al. (2019) and adapted into Indonesian. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation were conducted using SPSS. Most participants had moderate self-control (57.1%), while binge-watching was classified as moderate (50.3%) or high (48.0%). Pearson’s correlation revealed a strong and statistically significant negative association between self-control and binge-watching behavior (r = −.745, p < .001, N = 177). The finding indicates that students with higher self-control tend to report lower levels of binge-watching. Theoretically, this association can be understood through the role of self-control in inhibiting impulses, managing time, delaying gratification, and maintaining long-term goals. Practically, the findings support the development of guidance and counseling services focused on self-regulation, time management, digital literacy, and adaptive media-use management. Because the study used a correlational design, the findings should not be interpreted as evidence of causality.

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Published

2026-10-23

How to Cite

The Relationship Between Self-Control and Binge-Watching Behavior among Guidance and Counseling Students at Universitas Negeri Medan. (2026). Insight: Journal of Counseling and Psychology, 1(3 July), 92-98. https://doi.org/10.66851/ijcp.v1i3.233