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Clay JM, Badariotti JI, Kozhushko N, Parker MO. HPA activity mediates the link between trait impulsivity and boredom. Physiol Behav 2024; 284:114637. [PMID: 38997097 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Boredom, a complex emotional state with implications for mental health and well-being, has garnered attention across disciplines, yet remains relatively understudied in psychiatric research. Here, we explored the intricate relationship between trait-impulsivity, stress, and boredom across two studies. Participants completed self-report measures of trait-impulsivity and boredom and boredom-inducing tasks. Study 1, involving 80 participants (42 women and 38 men, aged 20-63), replicates previous findings, by demonstrating that impulsive individuals report greater boredom following a boring task. Study 2 then extends this, using 20 participants (9 women and 12 men, aged 18-24), to show that hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, specifically heightened salivary cortisol responses, mediate the link between impulsivity and boredom following a boring task. Collectively, these results demonstrate that HPA axis activity may underline the relationship between trait-impulsivity and boredom by extending previous work and offering a novel insight into potential mechanisms. These findings offer promise for personalised interventions, designed for high impulsivity individuals, to alleviate the negative impacts of boredom and potentially break the identified feedback loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Clay
- Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth, UK; Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada; Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | | | - Nikita Kozhushko
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Matthew O Parker
- Surrey Sleep Research Centre, School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
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2
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Spencer-Mueller EK, Fenske MJ. Note-taking for the win: Doodling does not reduce boredom or mind-wandering, nor enhance attention or retention of lecture material. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2024; 77:1780-1796. [PMID: 38087918 PMCID: PMC11295400 DOI: 10.1177/17470218231222402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Doodling and fidgeting-traditionally viewed in educational contexts as markers of inattention and poor classroom behaviour-have more recently been considered as possible routes to improve performance by reducing boredom and its negative impact on memory. However, there is a surprising lack of well-controlled studies examining this possibility, despite the widespread adoption of fidget toys and doodling exercises within classroom settings. Here we report two experiments (total N = 222) that assess the impact of doodling on boredom, attention, mind-wandering, and subsequent recall of auditory information. In Experiment 1, participants first listened to a 15-min section of a lecture known to induce boredom. Immediately thereafter they were asked to jot down important information from a short voicemail that they listened to while either doodling (adding shading to shapes) or doing nothing in between note-taking. In Experiment 2, participants listened to a 45-min section of the same lecture under one of four conditions: structured doodling (i.e., shade in shapes), unstructured doodling, note-taking, or listen-only. Thought probes assessed self-perceived levels of state boredom, mind-wandering, and attention throughout the lecture. Across studies, doodling neither reduced boredom or mind-wandering nor increased attention or retention of information compared with other conditions. In contrast, attention and test performance were highest (and boredom and mind-wandering lowest) for those focused solely on note-taking.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark J Fenske
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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3
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West SJ, Thomson ND. Clarifying the relationship between trait aggression and self-control using random item slope regression. J Pers 2024. [PMID: 38873973 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Myriad psychological research evinces a negative association between self-control and aggression with some arguing for self-control failure as a cause of aggression. Recent literature suggests that the relationship between aggression and self-control is likely more complex and even positive in some cases. One source of such conflict in the literature could be the presence of unaccounted for random item slopes in commonly used measures of self-control which may inflate the likelihood of Type I errors. This study (N = 1386) tested the hypothesis that self-control would share random item slopes with the facets of trait aggression using random item slope regression. METHOD We measured trait aggression and self-control via two common self-reports: the Buss-Perry Questionnaire and the Brief Self-Control Scale. RESULTS Our analyses revealed that the facets of trait aggression shared significant random item slopes with self-control and that many of these slopes were positive, rather than negative. We also found that Type I error inflation was evident in models that did not account for these random slopes. CONCLUSIONS These findings may in part explain some of the conflicting results in the literature and that researchers interested in studying self-control and aggression should test for random item slopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J West
- Department of Psychology, Virginia State University, Petersburg, Virginia, USA
- Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Nicholas D Thomson
- Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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4
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Laursen SJ, Wammes JD, Fiacconi CM. Examining the effect of expected test format and test difficulty on the frequency and mnemonic costs of mind wandering. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2024; 77:1068-1092. [PMID: 37395204 PMCID: PMC11032633 DOI: 10.1177/17470218231187892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Mind wandering, generally defined as task-unrelated thought, has been shown to constitute between 30% and 50% of individuals' thoughts during almost every activity in which they are engaged. Critically, however, previous research has shown that the demands of a given task can lead to either the up- or down-regulation of mind wandering and that engagement in mind wandering may be differentially detrimental to future memory performance depending on learning conditions. The goal of the current research was to gain a better understanding of how the circumstances surrounding a learning episode affect the frequency with which individuals engage in off-task thought, and the extent to which these differences differentially affect memory performance across different test formats. Specifically, while prior work has manipulated the conditions of encoding, we focused on the anticipated characteristics of the retrieval task, thereby examining whether the anticipation of later demands imposed by the expected test format/difficulty would influence the frequency or performance costs of mind wandering during encoding. Across three experiments, we demonstrate that the anticipation of future test demands, as modelled by expected test format/difficulty, does not affect rates of mind wandering. However, the costs associated with mind wandering do appear to scale with the difficulty of the test. These findings provide important new insights into the impact of off-task thought on future memory performance and constrain our understanding of the strategic regulation of inattention in the context of learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skylar J Laursen
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeffrey D Wammes
- Department of Psychology, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chris M Fiacconi
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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5
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Zerr K, Seiler JPH, Rumpel S, Tüscher O. Validation of a German version of the Boredom Proneness Scale and the Multidimensional State Boredom Scale. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2905. [PMID: 38316871 PMCID: PMC10844236 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53236-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The scientific interest in boredom is growing over the past decades. Boredom has not only been linked to symptoms of psychopathology, but also shows a remarkable effect on individual behavior under healthy conditions. Current characterizations of boredom in humans mostly rely on self-report assessments which proved to faithfully reflect boredom in a vast range of experimental environments. Two of the most commonly used and prominent self-report scales in order to assess boredom are the Multidimensional State Boredom Scale (MSBS) and the Boredom Proneness Scale (BPS). Here, we present the German translations of both questionnaires and their validation. We obtained and analyzed psychometric data from more than 800 healthy individuals. We find that the German MSBS and BPS show vast congruence with their originals in respect to item statistics, internal reliability and validity. In particular, we find remarkable associations of state boredom and trait boredom with indicators of mental burden. Testing the factor structure of both questionnaires, we find supporting evidence for a 5-factor model of the MSBS, whereas the BPS in line with its original shows an irregular, inconsistent factor structure. Thus, we validate the German versions of MSBS and BPS and set a starting point for further studies of boredom in German-speaking collectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Zerr
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Straße 8, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Johannes P-H Seiler
- Institute of Physiology, Focus Program Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 19, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Simon Rumpel
- Institute of Physiology, Focus Program Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 19, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Oliver Tüscher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Straße 8, 55131, Mainz, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, Wallstraße 7, 55122, Mainz, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Ackermannweg 4, 55128, Mainz, Germany
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6
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Yeung RC, Danckert J, van Tilburg WAP, Fernandes MA. Disentangling boredom from depression using the phenomenology and content of involuntary autobiographical memories. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2106. [PMID: 38267475 PMCID: PMC10808106 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52495-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Recurrent involuntary autobiographical memories (IAMs) are memories retrieved unintentionally and repetitively. We examined whether the phenomenology and content of recurrent IAMs could differentiate boredom and depression, both of which are characterized by affective dysregulation and spontaneous thought. Participants (n = 2484) described their most frequent IAM and rated its phenomenological properties (e.g., valence). Structural topic modeling, a method of unsupervised machine learning, identified coherent content within the described memories. Boredom proneness was positively correlated with depressive symptoms, and both boredom proneness and depressive symptoms were correlated with more negative recurrent IAMs. Boredom proneness predicted less vivid recurrent IAMs, whereas depressive symptoms predicted more vivid, negative, and emotionally intense ones. Memory content also diverged: topics such as relationship conflicts were positively predicted by depressive symptoms, but negatively predicted by boredom proneness. Phenomenology and content in recurrent IAMs can effectively disambiguate boredom proneness from depressive symptoms in a large sample of undergraduate students from a racially diverse university.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C Yeung
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences, 3560 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON, M6A 2E1, Canada
| | - James Danckert
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | | | - Myra A Fernandes
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
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7
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Nettinga J, Naseem S, Yakobi O, Willoughby T, Danckert J. Exploring EEG resting state as a function of boredom proneness in pre-adolescents and adolescents. Exp Brain Res 2024; 242:123-135. [PMID: 37978080 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-023-06733-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Boredom is a prominent experience commonly reported in school settings and associated with poor academic achievement. Little is known, however, about the age-related trajectory of boredom. Here we examined self-reported ratings of boredom in a cross-sectional sample of 8 to 15-year olds (n = 185) as a function of resting state EEG. Results indicated that reports of boredom in school rose as a function of age. Resting state EEG showed a decrease in theta power with age perhaps reflective of increased control. While no effects were evident in beta and alpha bands, we did observe an interaction between boredom and age for frontal asymmetry such that for those higher in boredom, the asymmetry increased with age. Finally, for theta to beta ratios there were main effects of age (i.e., a decrease in theta/beta ratio with age) and boredom such that those higher in boredom had higher theta/beta ratios over frontal and central brain areas. The results are discussed in the context of prior work on school-related boredom and provide several important avenues for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Nettinga
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Sarah Naseem
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Ofir Yakobi
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Teena Willoughby
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catherines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - James Danckert
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
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8
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Seiler JPH, Rumpel S. Modeling fashion as an emergent collective behavior of bored individuals. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20480. [PMID: 37993553 PMCID: PMC10665449 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47749-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Boredom is an aversive mental state that is typically evoked by monotony and drives individuals to seek novel information. Despite this effect on individual behavior, the consequences of boredom for collective behavior remain elusive. Here, we introduce an agent-based model of collective fashion behavior in which simplified agents interact randomly and repeatedly choose alternatives from a circular space of color variants. Agents are endowed with a memory of past experiences and a boredom parameter, promoting avoidance of monotony. Simulating collective color trends with this model captures aspects of real trends observed in fashion magazines. We manipulate the two parameters and observe that the boredom parameter is essential for perpetuating fashion dynamics in our model. Furthermore, highly bored agents lead future population trends, when acting coherently or being highly popular. Taken together, our study illustrates that highly bored individuals can guide collective dynamics of a population to continuously explore different variants of behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes P-H Seiler
- Institute of Physiology, Focus Program Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 19, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Simon Rumpel
- Institute of Physiology, Focus Program Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 19, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
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9
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Branch JG. Individual differences in the frequency of voluntary & involuntary episodic memories, future thoughts, and counterfactual thoughts. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 87:2171-2182. [PMID: 36781455 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-023-01802-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Voluntary and involuntary mental time travel can take the form of episodic memory, episodic future thinking, and episodic counterfactual thinking. This study uses an individual-differences approach to understand why people engage in these forms of mental time travel. The individual-differences variables include trait-level personality, boredom proneness, depression, anxiety, stress, emotion regulation, mindfulness, mind-wandering, positive and negative affect, rumination, optimism, thinking styles, and time perspective. Across two studies, our results indicate that individual differences underlie these forms of mental time travel. The most unique, episodic counterfactual thinking, was alone positively correlated with negative emotionality and negatively correlated with optimism. We also observe differences as a function of voluntariness and discuss these findings in relation to the cognitively demanding nature of constructing future and counterfactual thoughts. We discuss the importance of distinguishing voluntary from involuntary thinking and assessing episodic counterfactual thinking in relation to episodic memory and episodic future thinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared G Branch
- School of Psychology & Cognitive Science, Avila University, Kansas, MO, 64145, USA.
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10
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Li J, Zhou Y, Ge Y, Qu W. Sensation seeking predicts risky driving behavior: The mediating role of difficulties in emotion regulation. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2023; 43:1871-1886. [PMID: 36314116 DOI: 10.1111/risa.14066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the mediating effect of difficulties in emotion regulation on the relationship between sensation seeking and driving behavior based on the dual-process model of aberrant driving behavior. A sample of 299 drivers in China completed the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, the Driver Behavior Questionnaire, and the Sensation Seeking Scale V (SSS). The relationships among sensation seeking, difficulties in emotion regulation, and driving behavior were investigated using pathway analysis. The results showed that (1) disinhibition and boredom susceptibility are positively and significantly related to difficulties in emotion regulation and risky driving behaviors; (2) difficulties in emotion regulation are positively and significantly associated with risky driving behaviors; (3) difficulties in emotion regulation mediate the effect of sensation seeking on driving behaviors, supporting the dual-process model of driving behavior; and (4) professional drivers score higher in terms of difficulties in emotion regulation and risky driving behaviors than nonprofessional drivers. The findings of this study could provide valuable insights into the selection of suitable drivers and the development of certain programs that benefit road safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Ge
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weina Qu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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11
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Danckert J, Elpidorou A. In search of boredom: beyond a functional account. Trends Cogn Sci 2023; 27:494-507. [PMID: 36922277 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Boredom has been characterized as a crisis of meaning, a failure of attention, and a call to action. Yet as a self-regulatory signal writ-large, we are still left with the question of what makes any given boredom episode meaningless, disengaging, or a prompt to act. We propose that boredom is an affective signal that we have deviated from an optimal ('Goldilocks') zone of cognitive engagement. Such deviations may be due to a perceived lack of meaning, arise as a consequence of struggles we are experiencing in attending to a task, or be interpreted as a blunt call to find something different to engage with. Thus, the key to understanding boredom lies in its role in keeping us cognitively engaged.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Danckert
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Andreas Elpidorou
- Department of Philosophy, University of Louisville, 308 Bingham Humanities Building, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
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12
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Subjective Impact of Age-Related Hearing Loss Is Worse for Those Who Routinely Experience Boredom and Failures of Attention. Ear Hear 2023; 44:199-208. [PMID: 35996217 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite extensive evidence supporting the benefits of hearing treatments for individuals affected by hearing loss, many leave their hearing issues unaddressed. This underscores the need to better understand the individual factors influencing decision-making regarding hearing loss treatments. One consideration regarding the low uptake of treatment is the finding that the subjective impact of hearing loss is greater for some individuals than for others, yielding a significant discrepancy between subjective measures of hearing loss (e.g., self-report hearing-handicap scales) and objective audiometric assessments (e.g., audiograms). The current study seeks to elucidate some of the cognitive-affective factors that give rise to these individual differences in the subjective impact of hearing loss. Specifically, we hypothesized that a stronger trait tendency to experience boredom would be correlated with more intensely negative experiences of hearing-related issues, and that this relationship would be mediated by underlying attentional difficulties. METHODS Through a partnership with hearing care clinics (Connect Hearing Canada), we recruited a large sample of older adults (n = 1840) through their network of hearing-care clinics. Audiometric thresholds provided an objective measure of hearing ability for each participant, while self-report questionnaires assessed individual differences in the subjective impact of hearing-related issues (hearing handicap), subjective strain experienced when listening (listening effort), tendency to experience boredom, tendency to experience difficulty maintaining task-focused attention (mind-wandering), and self-perceived level of cognitive functioning. RESULTS The subjective impact of hearing loss-both in terms of hearing handicap and strain when listening-was found to be more intensely negative for those who are characteristically more susceptible to experiencing boredom, and this relationship was shown to be mediated by self-reported differences in the ability to maintain task-focused attention. This relationship between trait boredom proneness and the subjective impact of hearing-related issues was evident across all levels of objective hearing abilities. Moreover, there was no evidence that the subjective impact of hearing loss is worse for those who routinely experience boredom because of objectively-poorer hearing abilities in those individuals. CONCLUSIONS A greater trait susceptibility to experiencing boredom was associated with a more aversive subjective experience of hearing loss, and this relationship is mediated by attentional difficulties. This is a novel discovery regarding the cognitive-affective factors that are linked to individual differences in the effect that hearing loss has on individuals' daily functioning. These results may be helpful for better understanding the determinants of hearing-rehabilitation decisions and how to improve the uptake of treatments for hearing loss. The observational nature of the current study restricts us from drawing any definitive conclusions about the casual directions among the factors being investigated. Further research is therefore needed to establish how individual differences in the characteristic tendency to experience boredom are related to attentional-control difficulties and the experience of hearing-related issues. More research is also required to determine how all of these factors may influence decisions regarding hearing-loss treatments.
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Deng YQ, Shi G, Zhang B, Zheng X, Liu Y, Zhou C, Wang X. The effect of mind wandering on cognitive flexibility is mediated by boredom. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2022; 231:103789. [PMID: 36356338 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2022.103789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive theory of boredom presumes that boredom, an important potential indicator for self-dysregulation, represents to be the result of attention failure. And lapses of attention have been shown to act as a key signal in mind wandering (especially spontaneous mind wandering), which has been found to be positively associated with boredom. If both mind wandering and boredom concurrently occupy individuals' on-task processing resources, it would definitely influence their cognitive flexibility, which is an essential component for self-regulation. Until now, however, there has been little discussion about mind wandering, boredom, and cognitive flexibility at the same time. The present study investigated the hypothesis that boredom can mediate the effect of mind wandering on cognitive flexibility at trait-level by adopting a cross-sectional exploratory study design and anonymous structured questionnaires in three studies (N = 449,182 and 190 for Studies 1, 2 and 3, respectively). Correlation analysis demonstrated that mind wandering (especially spontaneous mind wandering) was positively related to boredom, and that cognitive flexibility was negatively related to mind wandering and boredom, respectively. Mediation analysis revealed an indirect effect of mind wandering (especially spontaneous mind wandering) on cognitive flexibility through boredom. In conclusion, these findings are useful to build a theoretical framework for future clinical practice. An implication of these findings is the possibility that efficacious strategies targeting at reducing boredom are needed to decrease the detriment effect of spontaneous mind wandering on cognitive flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Qin Deng
- Institute of Sports Science, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China; School of Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - Guangyuan Shi
- Center for psychological development, Tsinghua university, Beijing, PR China
| | - Binn Zhang
- School of Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Xinyan Zheng
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Ying Liu
- School of Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Chenglin Zhou
- School of Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Xiaochun Wang
- School of Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, PR China.
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14
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Fultz AA, Brown JA, Bernieri FJ. The Boredom Prone Personality: A Multitrait-Multimethod Approach. J Pers Assess 2022; 105:382-395. [PMID: 36053121 DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2022.2112205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The present investigation reports the convergent and discriminant validity coefficients for two versions of Farmer and Sundberg's (Journal of Personality Assessment, 50(1), 4-17, 1986) boredom proneness scale. Boredom proneness, a trait that refers to an enduring tendency to disengage from the environment, has been neglected by the field of psychology despite its theoretical relevance to performance and psychological well-being. This report sought: (a) to validate a shortened 8-item version of the original Boredom Proneness Scale published by Struk et al. (Assessment, 24(3), 346-359, 2017) and (b) to extensively examine the boredom proneness construct that the long and short versions of this scale assess. We employed a multitrait-multimethod approach that assessed a large number of theorized effects simultaneously. We replicated dozens of theorized and/or previously observed boredom proneness correlates (convergent validity) as well as many theorized null effects (discriminant validity). The overall pattern of significant and null effect sizes provided compelling evidence that the original boredom proneness scale as well as the 8 items that constitute the shorter version are valid measures of one's susceptibility to boredom. We propose that boredom proneness might be an underappreciated yet important theoretical moderator of Person X Situation effects.
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15
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Bambrah V, Wyman A, Friedman E, Eastwood JD. Examining the Longitudinal Associations between Adjustment Disorder Symptoms and Boredom during COVID-19. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:311. [PMID: 36135115 PMCID: PMC9495664 DOI: 10.3390/bs12090311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a myriad of stressors, underscoring the relevance of adjustment disorder during these extraordinary times. Boredom-as a feeling and as a dispositional characteristic-is an equally pertinent experience during the pandemic that has been cross-sectionally linked to various mental health difficulties. The current longitudinal study expanded on this work, examining the associations between adjustment disorder symptoms and boredom (both as a feeling and as a trait) over time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Community participants completed questionnaires three times, rating their trait boredom at Time 1 and their feelings of boredom and adjustment disorder symptoms (preoccupation with a pandemic stressor and failure to adapt) over the past week at Times 1-3. Latent growth curve analyses found that an increase in feelings of boredom was significantly associated with increased preoccupation with a pandemic stressor and increased difficulties with adapting over time. Additionally, trait boredom significantly predicted changes in preoccupation and the failure to adapt, such that participants high in trait boredom increasingly struggled with these symptoms over time. Our results suggest that increased feelings of boredom and a trait disposition towards boredom can be detrimental to people's ability to adjust over time to the stressors associated with the pandemic. Boredom, as an aversive state and as a chronic difficulty, may be important to address in treatment approaches for adjustment disorder symptoms during COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerpal Bambrah
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
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16
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Drody AC, Hicks LJ, Danckert J. Boredom Proneness and Rule-Breaking: A Persistent Relation One Year into the COVID-19 Pandemic. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:251. [PMID: 35892351 PMCID: PMC9394241 DOI: 10.3390/bs12080251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Research conducted within the first year of the pandemic demonstrated that boredom prone individuals were more likely to break rules (e.g., social distancing) aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19. It is of interest whether this relation persisted deeper into the pandemic, given that initial results may have reflected the extraordinary nature of the early stages of the pandemic on one hand, or more stable dispositions on the other. Therefore, in the Summer of 2021, we administered an online survey to investigate whether boredom proneness predicted COVID-19 rule-breaking over one year into the pandemic (and approximately one year after the earlier studies). We found that boredom prone individuals remained more likely to engage in COVID-19 rule-breaking. Our results suggest that a trait disposition towards boredom exerts a persistent, long-term influence on behaviour, one that is detrimental to personal well-being during the pandemic. Adherence to public health measures might be improved by encouraging individuals to find adaptive ways of coping with boredom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison C. Drody
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada;
| | - Lydia J. Hicks
- Department of Psychology, Lakehead University at Thunder Bay, 955 Oliver Rd, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada;
| | - James Danckert
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada;
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17
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Spontaneous mind-wandering tendencies linked to cognitive flexibility in young adults. Conscious Cogn 2022; 102:103335. [DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2022.103335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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18
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Martarelli CS, Baillifard A, Audrin C. A Trait-Based Network Perspective on the Validation of the French Short Boredom Proneness Scale. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1027/1015-5759/a000718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. The Short Boredom Proneness Scale (SBPS) has recently been developed. Using a standard confirmatory factor analysis, we report on the structural validation of the French SBPS, which provided support for the original construct. A network analysis ( n = 490) revealed the structure of the relationships between the SBPS and the two facets of Curiosity and Exploration Inventory-II (CEI-II). The analysis revealed positive connections between the boredom and curiosity items, whereas the connections between the boredom and exploration items were negative. To evaluate measurement invariance, we compared the French-speaking sample ( n = 490) with an English-speaking sample ( n = 364). Full configural, metric, and scalar invariance was established; thus, we provide a valid French translation of a widely used measure of boredom that may advantage future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Catherine Audrin
- University of Teacher Education, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, Geneva, Switzerland
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19
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McCurdy A, Stearns JA, Rhodes RE, Hopkins D, Mummery K, Spence JC. Relationships Between Physical Activity, Boredom Proneness, and Subjective Well-Being Among U.K. Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF SPORT & EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 44:189-197. [PMID: 35354669 DOI: 10.1123/jsep.2021-0253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This investigation sought to examine physical activity (PA) as a potential determinant of chronic boredom and associated well-being within the context of COVID-related restrictions. A representative sample of U.K. adults (N = 1,521) completed a survey on June 1, 2020. Bivariate analyses demonstrated that individuals who met guidelines and maintained or increased PA scored higher on life satisfaction, worthwhileness, and happiness and lower on anxiety (i.e., indicators of well-being) and boredom proneness (d = 0.13-0.43). Boredom proneness was correlated with all indicators of well-being (r = .38-.54). A series of regression models revealed that PA predicted lower boredom proneness and better life satisfaction, worthwhileness, and happiness. Boredom proneness accounted for the covariance between PA and well-being. Prospective research is needed to confirm causality of the observed relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley McCurdy
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB,Canada
| | - Jodie A Stearns
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB,Canada
| | - Ryan E Rhodes
- School of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC,Canada
| | - Debbie Hopkins
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford,United Kingdom
| | - Kerry Mummery
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB,Canada
| | - John C Spence
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB,Canada
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20
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A single item measure of self-control – validation and location in a nomological network of self-control, boredom, and if-then planning. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2022. [DOI: 10.32872/spb.7453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-control is a highly adaptive human capacity and research on self-control is booming. To further facilitate self-control research, especially in conditions where time-constraints might render the use of multi-item measures of self-control problematic, a validated time-efficient single item measure would be an asset. However, such a measure has not yet been developed and tested. Here, we address this gap by reporting the psychometric properties of a single item measure of self-control and by assessing its localization within a larger theorized psychometric network consisting of self-control, boredom and if-then planning. In a high-powered (N = 1553) study with paid online workers from the US (gender: 47.3% female, 51.7% male, 1% other; age: 40.36 ± 12.65 years), we found evidence for the convergent validity (Brief Self-Control Scale), divergent validity (Short Boredom Proneness Scale and If-Then Planning Scale), and criterion validity (objective and subjective socio-economic status) of the single item measure of self-control (“How much self-control do you have?”). Network psychometrics further revealed that the single item was part of the self-control subnetwork and clearly distinguishable from boredom and if-then planning, which together with self-control form a larger psychometric network of psychological dispositions that are relevant for orienting goal directed behavior. Thus, the present findings indicate that self-control can be adequately captured with the single item measure presented here, thereby extending the methodological toolbox of self-control researchers by a highly-time efficient measure.
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21
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Drody AC, Ralph BCW, Danckert J, Smilek D. Boredom and Media Multitasking. Front Psychol 2022; 13:807667. [PMID: 35386895 PMCID: PMC8978561 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.807667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Media multitasking entails simultaneously engaging in multiple tasks when at least one of the tasks involves media (e.g., online activities and streaming videos). Across two studies, we investigated one potential trigger of media multitasking, state boredom, and its relation to media multitasking. To this end, we manipulated participants' levels of state boredom using video mood inductions prior to administering an attention-demanding 2-back task during which participants could media multitask by playing a task-irrelevant video. We also examined whether trait boredom proneness was associated media multitasking. We found no direct evidence that state boredom leads to media multitasking. However, trait boredom proneness correlated with greater amounts of media multitasking in Experiment 1, but not in Experiment 2. Surprisingly, in both experiments, post-task ratings of state boredom were equivalent across conditions, alerting us to the short-lived effects of video mood inductions and the boring nature of cognitive tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison C Drody
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Brandon C W Ralph
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - James Danckert
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel Smilek
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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22
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Hager NM, Judah MR, Milam AL. Loneliness and Depression in College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: the Role of Boredom and Repetitive Negative Thinking. Int J Cogn Ther 2022; 15:134-152. [PMID: 35432692 PMCID: PMC8990489 DOI: 10.1007/s41811-022-00135-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered increased rates of depression, especially among college students. Due to social distancing guidelines, loneliness has been suspected as a prominent factor in depression during the pandemic. Research is needed to identify possible mechanisms through which loneliness conveys risk for pandemic-era depression. Two potential mechanisms are boredom and repetitive negative thinking (RNT). This study examined cross-sectional associations between depression, loneliness, boredom, and RNT in a sample of college students (N = 199) in April 2020 immediately following campus closure. Results showed a serial indirect effect of loneliness on depression through boredom then RNT. Moreover, specific indirect effects of loneliness on depression were found through boredom and RNT, individually. Though limited by the cross-sectional design, these data align with cognitive-behavioral theory and identify boredom and RNT as possible mechanisms of the association between loneliness and depression in college students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan M. Hager
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529 USA
- Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Norfolk, VA USA
| | | | - Alicia L. Milam
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529 USA
- Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Norfolk, VA USA
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23
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Brosowsky NP, Barr N, Mugon J, Scholer AA, Seli P, Danckert J. Creativity, Boredom Proneness and Well-Being in the Pandemic. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:68. [PMID: 35323387 PMCID: PMC8945222 DOI: 10.3390/bs12030068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Throughout the course of the pandemic, it has become clear that the strictures of social isolation and various levels of lockdown constraints have impacted people's well-being. Here, our aim was to explore relations between trait dispositions associated with boredom proneness, self-regulation and well-being using data collected early in the pandemic. Specifically, we explored whether the tendency to engage in everyday creative pursuits (e.g., making your own greeting cards) would act as a prophylactic against poor well-being. Results showed that well-being was higher for those individuals who increased engagement with creative pursuits during the early stages of the pandemic. That is, people who engaged more in everyday creative activities also reported higher levels of self-esteem, optimism, and positive affect. In contrast, those who pursued fewer creative outlets had higher levels of depression and anxiety, were higher in boredom proneness, and reported experiencing more negative affect. As we emerge from the pandemic, these data provide a clue as to how people might plan to cope adaptively with the restrictive circumstances this extreme world event engendered. More generally, these data provide support for the notion that everyday creativity (and not necessarily creative expertise) has positive associations for well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholaus P. Brosowsky
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Rd., Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada;
| | - Nathaniel Barr
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Sheridan College, 1430 Trafalgar Rd., Oakville, ON L6H 2L1, Canada;
| | - Jhotisha Mugon
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada; (J.M.); (A.A.S.)
| | - Abigail A. Scholer
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada; (J.M.); (A.A.S.)
| | - Paul Seli
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, 417 Chapel Drive, Durham, NC 27708, USA;
| | - James Danckert
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada; (J.M.); (A.A.S.)
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24
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On the relation between mind wandering, PTSD symptomology, and self-control. Conscious Cogn 2022; 99:103288. [DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2022.103288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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25
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Kenah K, Bernhardt J, Spratt NJ, Oldmeadow C, Janssen H. Depression and a lack of socialization are associated with high levels of boredom during stroke rehabilitation: An exploratory study using a new conceptual framework. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2022; 33:497-527. [PMID: 35142257 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2022.2030761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This exploratory sub-study aimed to develop a framework to conceptualize boredom in stroke survivors during inpatient rehabilitation, establish the effect of an activity promotion intervention on boredom, and to investigate factors that are associated with boredom. A framework was developed and explored within a cluster non-randomised controlled trial. Self-reported boredom was measured in 160 stroke survivors 13 (±5) days after rehabilitation admission; 91 participants received usual-care (control) and 69 had access to a patient-driven model of activity promotion (intervention). Individuals with pre-existing dementia or unable to participate in standard rehabilitation were excluded. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis was used to identify demographic, health and activity measures associated with boredom. Results indicated 39% of participants were highly bored. There was no statistically significant difference in boredom levels between treatment groups (difference -11%, 95% CI -26% to 4%). The presence of depression (OR 6.17, 95% CI 2.57-14.79) and lower levels of socialization (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92-0.99) predicted high boredom levels. This comprehensive framework provides a foundation for understanding the many interacting factors associated with boredom. Results suggest managing depression and improving opportunities for socialization may support meaningful engagement in rehabilitation to optimize recovery following stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Kenah
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia.,Monash Health, Cheltenham, Australia
| | - Julie Bernhardt
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Neil J Spratt
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia.,Department Neurology, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Australia
| | | | - Heidi Janssen
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia.,Hunter Stroke Service, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, Australia
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26
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O'Dea MK, Igou ER, van Tilburg WA, Kinsella EL. Self-compassion predicts less boredom: The role of meaning in life. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2021.111360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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27
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Butterworth JW, Finley AJ, Baldwin CL, Kelley NJ. Self-control mediates age-related differences in psychological distress. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2021.111137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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28
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Sürücü L, Ertan ŞS, Bağlarbaşı E, Maslakçı A. COVID-19 and human flourishing: The moderating role of gender. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021; 183:111111. [PMID: 34511680 PMCID: PMC8416548 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2021.111111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 fear restricts human freedom and decreases human flourishing. This paper examines the relationship between COVID-19 fear and human flourishing. Additionally, it tests gender's moderating effect in this relationship. Although studies show the relationship between COVID-19 fear and human flourishing, this study is a first attempt to determine gender's moderating role. Data were obtained from 326 hotel staff in the United States and analyzed using structural equation modeling and hierarchical regression. This study found that COVID-19 negatively affected human flourishing and gender moderated this relationship. The current study will contribute to the literature by clarifying that women's flourishing is more negatively affected than men due to COVID-19. This finding further indicates how to reduce women's COVID-19 fears from both practical and legal standpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lütfi Sürücü
- European Leadership University, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Blv, Gazimağusa 99500, North Cyprus, Cyprus
| | - Şenay Sahil Ertan
- European Leadership University, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Blv, Gazimağusa 99500, North Cyprus, Cyprus
| | - Evren Bağlarbaşı
- European Leadership University, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Blv, Gazimağusa 99500, North Cyprus, Cyprus
| | - Ahmet Maslakçı
- European Leadership University, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Blv, Gazimağusa 99500, North Cyprus, Cyprus
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29
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Wang X, Zhang R, Chen Z, Zhou F, Feng T. Neural basis underlying the relation between boredom proneness and procrastination: The role of functional coupling between precuneus/cuneus and posterior cingulate cortex. Neuropsychologia 2021; 161:107994. [PMID: 34416237 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2021.107994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Procrastination refers to voluntarily delaying an important task despite the fact that this decision will take a heavy toll on daily life. Previous researches have shown that boredom proneness is a robust predictor of procrastination and the default mode network (DMN) could be the neural substrate for the connection between the two variables mentioned above. However, how boredom proneness links to procrastination at the neural level remains unclear. To address this question, we adopted the voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) methods to identify the neural basis of the relation between boredom proneness and procrastination. Behavioral results indicated that boredom proneness was significantly positively correlated with procrastination. VBM results revealed that boredom proneness was negatively correlated with grey matter volumes in the precuneus/cuneus. Furthermore, the RSFC analyses showed that the functional connectivity between precuneus/cuneus and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) was positively correlated with boredom proneness. More importantly, a mediation analysis found that boredom proneness played a fully mediating role in improving the relationship between precuneus/cuneus-PCC functional connectivity and procrastination. These findings suggest that the brain functional connectivity engages in attention control may account for the association between boredom proneness and procrastination, and highlight the important role of sustaining concentration on mitigating procrastination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Wang
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiyi Chen
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingyong Feng
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, China.
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30
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Dharani B, Giannaros M, April K. Alleviating state boredom through search for meaning and affirmation of workplace heroes. MANAGEMENT RESEARCH REVIEW 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/mrr-08-2020-0490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
Employee boredom is of concern to organizations because of its impact on employees’ quality of work life and productivity. This study aims to test the regulation of workplace boredom through meaning in life by workplace heroes to contribute to theory by examining the relationships between the variables and to practice by uncovering the potential of workplace heroes in alleviating state boredom.
Design/methodology/approach
Using online surveys and structured interviews for a mixed-method study, data were collected for state boredom, meaning in life and hero affirmation at work for a quantitative study, and data from the open-ended questions provided further insights regarding hero affirmation at work for a qualitative study.
Findings
Spearman rank-order correlations concluded correlations between state boredom and meaning in life. However, unlike personal heroes that influence meaning in life, workplace heroes were found not to. The qualitative analysis revealed three prime differences between workplace and personal heroes: proximity, symbolic representation of ideologies and qualities admired in the heroes. These reasons entailed that state boredom was not regulated by workplace heroes.
Originality/value
The model of Coughlan et al. (2019) explored trait boredom regulation through meaning in life by personal heroes. This study tested for the regulation of state boredom through meaning in life by workplace heroes; thus, contributing to theory through a nuanced model with enhanced usefulness in practice. The study also further dissects the concept of heroes by uncovering differences between workplace and personal heroes that perpetrated the differences in the findings.
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31
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Struk AA, Scholer AA, Danckert J. Perceptions of Control Influence Feelings of Boredom. Front Psychol 2021; 12:687623. [PMID: 34305746 PMCID: PMC8298837 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.687623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Conditions of low and high perceived control often lead to boredom, albeit for different reasons. Whereas, high perceived control may be experienced as boring because the situation lacks challenge, low perceived control may be experienced as boring because the situation precludes effective engagement. In two experiments we test this proposed quadratic relationship. In the first experiment we had participants play different versions of the children's game "rock-paper-scissors" in which they arbitrarily won (intended to maximize feelings of control) or lost (to induce feelings of low control). Despite having only dichotomous conditions, participants reported experiencing a broad range of levels of perceived control. Consistent with our predictions, boredom was highest at low and high levels of perceived control (i.e., a quadratic relation between perceived control and felt boredom). Experiment 2 tested the notion that the mere prospect of gaining control may mitigate boredom. Participants given to believe (erroneously) that they could gain control over the game of rock, paper, scissors were less bored than those who believed there was no possibility of winning at greater than chance levels. This suggests that beliefs concerning prospective control, rather than a given level of perceived control per se, may predict engagement and boredom.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - James Danckert
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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32
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de la Fuente J, Pachón-Basallo M, Santos FH, Peralta-Sánchez FJ, González-Torres MC, Artuch-Garde R, Paoloni PV, Gaetha ML. How Has the COVID-19 Crisis Affected the Academic Stress of University Students? The Role of Teachers and Students. Front Psychol 2021; 12:626340. [PMID: 34140911 PMCID: PMC8204055 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.626340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have required substantial adjustments in terms of university teaching-learning processes. The aim of this study was to verify whether there were significant differences between the academic year of 2020 and the two preceding years in factors and symptoms and stress. A total of 642 university students (ages 18-25 years) participated by filling out validated self-reports during the months from March to August 2020. Using an ex post facto design, SEM analyses and simple and multiple ANOVAs were performed. Structural results showed that stress factors from the teaching process had a predictive value for the learning process, emotions, and academic burnout, and being a man was a factor predicting negative emotion. In a similar way, inferential results revealed no significant effect of academic year but did show an effect of gender on stress experiences during the pandemic. Aside from certain specific aspects, there was no significant global effect of the year 2020 on factors and symptoms of stress. The results showed that studying in the year of the COVID-19 outbreak did not have a significant effect on stress triggered by the teaching process. From these results, we draw implications for specific guidance interventions with university teachers and students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús de la Fuente
- School of Education and Psychology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- School of Psychology, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | | | - Flavia H. Santos
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | | - Paola V. Paoloni
- School of Education, Universidad de Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
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33
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Brosowsky NP, Van Tilburg W, Scholer AA, Boylan J, Seli P, Danckert J. Boredom proneness, political orientation and adherence to social-distancing in the pandemic. MOTIVATION AND EMOTION 2021; 45:631-640. [PMID: 34054164 PMCID: PMC8143989 DOI: 10.1007/s11031-021-09888-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Research recently showed that boredom proneness was associated with increased social distancing rule-breaking in a sample collected early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we explore data collected early in the pandemic to examine what factors might drive this relation. We focus on political affiliation. Given the functional account of boredom as a call to action, we hypothesized that this urge to act may drive individuals towards outlets replete with symbolic value (e.g., ideology, identity). In addition, given the politicization of some social distancing rules (e.g., mask wearing), we explored whether those who adhere to strong political ideologies-particularly conservative ideologies-would be more likely to rule-break. Moderation analyses indicated that boredom proneness and social (but not fiscal) conservatism were indeed predictive of rule-breaking. These results highlight the need for both clear messaging emphasizing the strength of communal identity and action (i.e., that "We are all in this together") and for interventions that emphasize shared collective values in contexts that appeal directly to social conservatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholaus P Brosowsky
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, 417 Chapel Drive, Durham, NC 27708 USA
| | - Wijnand Van Tilburg
- Department of Psychology, Essex University, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, C04 3SQ UK
| | - Abigail A Scholer
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 Canada
| | - James Boylan
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 Canada
| | - Paul Seli
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, 417 Chapel Drive, Durham, NC 27708 USA
| | - James Danckert
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 Canada
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Golubchik P, Schoen G, Weizman A. Mood and Proneness to Boredom Are Associated with Poorer Continuous Performance Test Results, Which May Improve with Methylphenidate Treatment, in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2021; 31:310-314. [PMID: 33956509 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2021.0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between baseline test of variables of attention (TOVA) performance, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptom severity, mood symptoms, proneness to boredom in children with ADHD, and to assess the responses of the various scales to methylphenidate treatment. Methods: Thirty-three children and adolescents with ADHD, aged 7-18 years, were assessed at baseline with TOVA and treated for 3 months thereafter with methylphenidate. The ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS), Short Boredom Proneness Scale (SBPS), Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) scale, and CDI-academic and social subscale (CDI-AS) were administered to all participants at baseline and after 3 months of methylphenidate (MPH) treatment. Results: The baseline TOVA reaction time (RT) and RT variability parameters correlated with baseline SBPS and CDI-AS scores as well as with baseline total CDI scores. Significant improvements were found in ADHD-RS, SBPS, and CDI-AS scores after MPH treatment. The alteration in ADHD-RS correlated with parallel changes in SBPS and CDI-AS scores. Conclusions: Mood and proneness to boredom correlate with poor attention-span in children with ADHD. Improvement in ADHD levels after MPH treatment correlates with a parallel decrease in mood symptoms related to academic achievement and social functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Golubchik
- Child and Adolescent Outpatient Clinic, Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.,Department of Psychiatry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Gila Schoen
- Child and Adolescent Outpatient Clinic, Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Abraham Weizman
- Department of Psychiatry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Research Unit, Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.,Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Petah Tikva, Israel
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35
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Choi I, Kim JH, Kim N, Choi E, Choi J, Suk HW, Na J. How COVID-19 affected mental well-being: An 11- week trajectories of daily well-being of Koreans amidst COVID-19 by age, gender and region. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250252. [PMID: 33891642 PMCID: PMC8064534 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study examined the daily well-being of Koreans (n = 353,340) for 11 weeks during the COVID-19 pandemic (January 20 -April 7). We analyzed whether and how life satisfaction, positive affect, negative affect, and life meaning changed during the outbreak. First, we found that the well-being of Koreans changed daily in a cubic fashion, such that it declined and recovered during the early phase but declined substantially during the later phase (after COVID- 19 was declared world pandemic by WHO). Second, unlike other emotions, boredom displayed a distinctive pattern of linear increase, especially for younger people, suggesting that boredom might be, in part, responsible for their inability to comply with social distancing recommendations. Third, the well-being of older people and males changed less compared to younger people and females. Finally, daily well-being dropped significantly more in the hard-hit regions than in other regions. Implications and limitations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Incheol Choi
- Department of Psychology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Hyun Kim
- Center for Happiness Studies, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Namhee Kim
- Center for Happiness Studies, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunsoo Choi
- School of Psychology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongan Choi
- Department of Psychology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Won Suk
- Department of Psychology, Sogang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinkyung Na
- Department of Psychology, Sogang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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36
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Yakobi O, Danckert J. Boredom proneness is associated with noisy decision-making, not risk-taking. Exp Brain Res 2021; 239:1807-1825. [PMID: 33829298 PMCID: PMC8026330 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-021-06098-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Previous research shows that individuals who tend to get bored frequently and intensely—the highly boredom prone—are more likely to engage in risky behaviors. However, these studies are based largely on self-reports. Here we address this gap and suggest that noisy decision-making (DM) is a potential driver for this relationship between boredom proneness and risk-taking. In Study 1, eighty-six participants completed the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART) while EEG was recorded. We found blunted feedback processing with higher boredom proneness, as indexed by reduced feedback-P3 amplitudes. Risk taking, as indexed by the BART, was not higher in the highly boredom prone. In Study 2a (N = 404) we directly tested the noisy DM hypothesis in an online sample using a binary choice task, and found that with higher boredom proneness, participants were more likely to alternate between choices on a trial-to-trial basis, but were not more likely to choose the risky alternative. These findings were replicated in a new sample (Study 2b), and extended to the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT; Study 3). In the IGT we found increased choice switching and reduced feedback sensitivity with higher boredom proneness. Once again, higher risk taking as indexed by the IGT was not evident in the highly boredom prone. Overall, our findings suggest that boredom proneness is associated with noisy decision-making (i.e., a tendency to alternate more between choice options regardless of risk level), and not risk-seeking per se. That is, the highly boredom prone are not necessarily attracted to risks, but rather, may be insensitive to risks due to reduced feedback sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ofir Yakobi
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
| | - James Danckert
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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Wolff W, Bieleke M, Martarelli CS, Danckert J. A Primer on the Role of Boredom in Self-Controlled Sports and Exercise Behavior. Front Psychol 2021; 12:637839. [PMID: 33732197 PMCID: PMC7957048 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.637839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-control is critical for successful participation and performance in sports and therefore has attracted considerable research interest. Yet, knowledge about self-control remains surprisingly incomplete and inconsistent. Here, we draw attention to boredom as an experience that likely plays an important role in sports and exercise (e.g., exercise can be perceived as boring but can also be used to alleviate boredom). Specifically, we argue that studying boredom in the context of sports and exercise will also advance our understanding of self-control as a reward-based choice. We demonstrate this by discussing evidence for links between self-control and boredom and by highlighting the role boredom plays for guiding goal-directed behavior. As such, boredom is likely to interact with self-control in affecting sports performance and exercise participation. We close by highlighting several promising routes for integrating self-control and boredom research in the context of sports performance and exercise behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanja Wolff
- Department of Sport Science, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maik Bieleke
- Department for Psychology of Development and Education, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - James Danckert
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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Boylan J, Seli P, Scholer AA, Danckert J. Boredom in the COVID-19 pandemic: Trait boredom proneness, the desire to act, and rule-breaking. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021; 171:110387. [PMID: 35502306 PMCID: PMC9045809 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.110387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The state of boredom presents a conundrum: When bored, we want to engage with an activity, but we don't want to engage with whatever is currently available. This conflict is exacerbated when external factors impose restrictions on the range of behaviors we can engage in, which is precisely the scenario we are currently facing, at a global level, during this period of social isolation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We collected data from 924 North American participants (530 Male, Mean age = 37.7 years) using the internet-based Mturk platform to examine the relation between self-reports of boredom proneness (using the Short Boredom-Proneness Scale) and individual responses to questions about compliance with social-distancing requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our sample replicated recent findings in boredom research, including a negative correlation between boredom proneness and self-control. We also provide novel evidence that highly boredom prone people have been more likely to break the rules of social isolation in a variety of ways (e.g., fewer hours spent in social isolation, poor adherence to social distancing as evidenced by increased likelihood of holding a social gathering and coming into proximity with more people than recommended). We further demonstrated that boredom proneness substantially mediates the association between self-control and rule-breaking. These results indicate that boredom proneness is a critical factor to consider when encouraging adherence to social isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Boylan
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ONT N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Paul Seli
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, 417 Chapel Drive, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Abigail A Scholer
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ONT N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - James Danckert
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ONT N2L 3G1, Canada
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39
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Boredom affects sleep quality: The serial mediation effect of inattention and bedtime procrastination. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.110460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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40
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Martarelli CS, Pacozzi SG, Bieleke M, Wolff W. High Trait Self-Control and Low Boredom Proneness Help COVID-19 Homeschoolers. Front Psychol 2021; 12:594256. [PMID: 33679514 PMCID: PMC7930236 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.594256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) schools around the world have been closed to protect against the spread of coronavirus. In several countries, homeschooling has been introduced to replace classroom schooling. With a focus on individual differences, the present study examined 138 schoolers (age range = 6 to 21 years) regarding their self-control and boredom proneness. The results showed that both traits were important in predicting adherence to homeschooling. Schoolers with higher levels of self-control perceived homeschooling as less difficult, which in turn increased homeschooling adherence. In contrast, schoolers with higher levels of boredom proneness perceived homeschooling as more difficult, which in turn reduced homeschooling adherence. These results partially hold when it comes to studying in the classroom. However, boredom threatened adherence only in the homeschooling context. Our results indicate that boredom proneness is a critical construct to consider when educational systems switch to homeschooling during a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simona G. Pacozzi
- Faculty of Psychology, Swiss Distance University Institute, Brig, Switzerland
| | - Maik Bieleke
- Department for Psychology of Development and Education, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wanja Wolff
- Department of Sport Science, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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41
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Tam KYY, van Tilburg WAP, Chan CS. What is boredom proneness? A comparison of three characterizations. J Pers 2021; 89:831-846. [PMID: 33484603 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Boredom proneness is associated with various problematic behaviors and mental health issues. Despite its wide-ranging implication, boredom proneness as a trait-like construct suffers from conceptual ambiguity and measurement issues. We examined whether boredom proneness represents individual differences in (a) the frequency of getting bored, (b) the intensity of boredom, and/or (c) a holistic perception of life being boring (perceived life boredom). METHOD Across Study 1 (U.S. Sample, N = 495; HK Sample, N = 231) and Study 2 (N = 608), we tested the construct validity of boredom proneness by estimating its association with measures of the three possible characterizations (convergent validity), and examined to what extent associations between boredom proneness and variables relevant to well-being (e.g., life satisfaction, psychological distress) could be reproduced with the three potential characterizations (concurrent validity). RESULTS Results suggest that each of the three characterizations represents some aspect of boredom proneness, and they generally reproduced boredom proneness' associations with other variables. Among them, perceived life boredom had the strongest convergent and concurrent validity. CONCLUSION Our findings provide novel insights into the characterization of boredom proneness and its hitherto poorly understood relationship with psychological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy Y Y Tam
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Psychology, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Christian S Chan
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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42
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Freund VA, Schulenberg JE, Maslowsky J. Boredom by Sensation-Seeking Interactions During Adolescence: Associations with Substance Use, Externalizing Behavior, and Internalizing Symptoms in a US National Sample. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2021; 22:555-566. [PMID: 33512654 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-020-01198-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
During adolescence, sensation seeking is linked to several adverse outcomes including substance use, risk taking, and psychopathology. Recent empirical interest in the construct of boredom has revealed that some similar associations may exist for boredom during adolescence. Both boredom and sensation seeking peak during adolescence, and yet, research on boredom and its interaction with sensation seeking are limited. In a multi-cohort, US nationally representative sample of 8th and 10th grade students from the monitoring the future study, latent-moderated structural equation modeling was used to estimate the association of boredom, sensation seeking, and their interaction, to substance use, externalizing behavior, and depressive affect. Moderation by gender was also tested. Boredom and sensation seeking were both significantly associated with most dependent variables. Significant interaction effects were found wherein individuals high on both boredom and sensation seeking reported the highest levels of depressive affect and externalizing behavior. There were no significant interaction effects for substance use indices. Gender moderation was found for depressive affect. The results of this study demonstrate the generalizability of boredom associations and the significance of boredom by sensation-seeking interactions across multiple mental health domains during adolescence. Prevention efforts that attend to both boredom and sensation seeking may be particularly effective for promoting mental health and preventing externalizing behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie A Freund
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 530 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - John E Schulenberg
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 530 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.,Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48106, USA
| | - Julie Maslowsky
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, Department of Population Health, Population Research Center, University of Texas, 2109 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
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Tutzer F, Frajo-Apor B, Pardeller S, Plattner B, Chernova A, Haring C, Holzner B, Kemmler G, Marksteiner J, Miller C, Schmidt M, Sperner-Unterweger B, Hofer A. Psychological Distress, Loneliness, and Boredom Among the General Population of Tyrol, Austria During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:691896. [PMID: 34177672 PMCID: PMC8222609 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.691896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: COVID-19-related mental health problems are considered a public health challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate psychological distress, loneliness, and boredom among the general population of the federal state of Tyrol, Austria. Methods: Residents of Tyrol aged ≥ 18 years were recruited via dissemination of a link through social media and other advertisements and invited to complete an online survey from June 26th to August 20th, 2020. Next to the collection of sociodemographic and COVID-19 related variables the Brief Symptom Checklist (BSCL), the Three-Item Loneliness Scale (TILS), and the Multidimensional State Boredom Scale-Short Form (MSBS-SF) were used to assess psychological distress, loneliness, and boredom. Results: 961 participants took part in the survey (68.3% woman). Of these, 14.4% were burdened from psychological distress (BSCL), 22.6% reached a TILS score ≥ 7 and were therefore classified as severely lonely, and boredom levels lay by a mean of 25.9 ± 11.0 points in the MSBS-SF (range: 7-56). Women, singles, low-income people as well as those who were unemployed were significantly more often affected by all of the selected outcomes compared to the remaining sample and they had significantly more frequently consumed alcohol or other substances since the outbreak of the pandemic in order to feel better. In addition, young and middle-aged adults were particularly burdened by loneliness and boredom. Discussion: Our findings identify vulnerable groups and factors associated with higher psychological distress, loneliness, and boredom in the context of the pandemic. In order to prevent mental health problems it will be critical to identify options of maintaining social contacts and remaining active despite pandemic-related restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Tutzer
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Beatrice Frajo-Apor
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Silvia Pardeller
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Barbara Plattner
- Department of Psychiatry, Central Hospital, Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Anna Chernova
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian Haring
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy B, State Hospital Hall in Tyrol, Hall in Tyrol, Austria
| | - Bernhard Holzner
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Georg Kemmler
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Josef Marksteiner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy A, State Hospital Hall in Tyrol, Hall in Tyrol, Austria
| | - Carl Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, County Hospital Kufstein, Kufstein, Austria
| | - Martin Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry, County Hospital Lienz, Lienz, Austria
| | - Barbara Sperner-Unterweger
- Division of Psychiatry II, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Alex Hofer
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Yan L, Gan Y, Ding X, Wu J, Duan H. The relationship between perceived stress and emotional distress during the COVID-19 outbreak: Effects of boredom proneness and coping style. J Anxiety Disord 2021; 77:102328. [PMID: 33160275 PMCID: PMC7598556 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2020.102328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic was a great threat to the physical and mental health of the general population. Our research aimed to investigate the relationship between perceived stress and emotional distress during the initial outbreak. Furthermore, potential risks and protective factors, i.e., coping and boredom proneness, of stress-related emotional distress were also explored. Data from 3233 participants in China were collected through an online survey platform during the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 from January 31 to February 9 in 2020. Results showed that higher perceived stress was associated with more emotional distress including depression, fear, compulsion-anxiety, neurasthenia, and hypochondria. Boredom proneness significantly and positively mediated the relationship between perceived stress and emotional distress. Moreover, coping style moderated the stress-emotional distress relationship, i.e., individuals who mainly adopted positive coping strategies suffered fewer symptoms of depression, compulsion-anxiety, and neurasthenia under stress, while negative coping strategies aggravated emotional distress. These results from the present study provide practical value for mental health intervention during the emergent public health events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Yan
- Center for Brain Disorder and Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060 China
| | - Yiqun Gan
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences and Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, China
| | - Xu Ding
- Center for Brain Disorder and Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060 China
| | - Jianhui Wu
- Center for Brain Disorder and Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060 China; Shenzhen Institute of Neuroscience, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Hongxia Duan
- Center for Brain Disorder and Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060 China; Shenzhen Institute of Neuroscience, Shenzhen 518057, China; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Kapittelweg 29, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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45
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Milea I, Cardoş RAI, David D. The map of cognitive processes in boredom: multiple mediation models. Behav Cogn Psychother 2020; 49:1-13. [PMID: 33323160 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465820000867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trait boredom is associated with several internalizing and externalizing problems. Addressing existing research gaps in the field, the present study investigated the map of cognitive processes for boredom, based on the rational emotive behaviour therapy model (REBT). AIMS The general aim of the study was to investigate the organization of irrational and rational evaluative cognitions related to boredom, and the association between boredom and depression symptoms and state/trait anxiety. METHODS The 233 participants (84% women) completed online scales of evaluative cognitions, trait boredom, trait/state anxiety and depression. Multiple mediation models via the SPSS extension PROCESS were employed. RESULTS The REBT psychopathology and psychological health models were partially confirmed, as the evaluative primary cognitions predicted positively and significantly the secondary ones in both cases. Low frustration tolerance (LFT) and global evaluations (GE), and frustration tolerance (FT), respectively, had significant effects. We found a positive significant association between boredom proneness and the negative dysfunctional emotions investigated. CONCLUSIONS Both results offer further support for the hierarchy of cognitions and the distinction between the level of irrationality and rationality in REBT. This is the first attempt to assess a cognitive map of boredom, underlining the importance of (L)FT in relation to boredom. The significance of GE in boredom suggests that people might see themselves responsible, or even blame themselves, others or life itself while bored. The associations of boredom with anxiety and depression are relevant, as its role in those contexts is not yet fully understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion Milea
- Doctoral School 'Evidence Based Psychological Assessment and Interventions', Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- The International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Roxana A I Cardoş
- The International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Babeş-Bolyai University, Republicii Street 37, 400015, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Daniel David
- The International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Babeş-Bolyai University, Republicii Street 37, 400015, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
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Liang Z, Zhao Q, Zhou Z, Yu Q, Li S, Chen S. The Effect of "Novelty Input" and "Novelty Output" on Boredom During Home Quarantine in the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Effects of Trait Creativity. Front Psychol 2020; 11:601548. [PMID: 33381069 PMCID: PMC7767915 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Governments have adopted strict home quarantine measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. A monotonous, barren, and under-stimulating environment can cause state boredom, and people often deal with boredom via novelty-seeking behavior. Novelty-seeking behavior can be divided into "novelty input" and "novelty output." The former refers to obtaining novel information such as browsing the Web; the latter refers to engaging in creative behavior such as literary creation. This study explores the relationship between two types of novelty-seeking behavior and individual state boredom during home quarantine, along with the moderation effect of trait creativity. The study sample consists of 582 Chinese college students who were quarantined at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants completed the Multidimensional State Boredom Scale, the Williams Creativity Aptitude Test, and self-compiled questionnaires of novelty input and novelty output. The results show that there is no significant relationship between novelty input or novelty output and boredom during the COVID-19 quarantine. Trait creativity is found to negatively moderate the relationship between the two means of novelty seeking and boredom. Specifically, novelty output negatively predicts the state boredom of individuals with high creativity, while novelty input positively predicts the state boredom of individuals with low creativity. Our findings suggest that different novelty-seeking behaviors may have different effects on the boredom level of individuals with high versus low creativity during quarantine. During a quarantine period, individuals should avoid excessively engaging in novelty input behaviors aimed at escaping boring situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Liang
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior (Ministry of Education), School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qingbai Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior (Ministry of Education), School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhijin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior (Ministry of Education), School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Quanlei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior (Ministry of Education), School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Songqing Li
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior (Ministry of Education), School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior (Ministry of Education), School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
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Mugon J, Boylan J, Danckert J. Boredom Proneness and Self-Control as Unique Risk Factors in Achievement Settings. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E9116. [PMID: 33291292 PMCID: PMC7730515 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17239116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The state of boredom arises when we have the desire to be engaged in goal pursuit, but for whatever reason we cannot fulfil that desire. Boredom proneness is characterized by both frequent and intense feelings of boredom and is an enduring individual difference trait associated with a raft of negative outcomes. There has been some work in educational settings, but relatively little is known about the consequences of boredom proneness for learning. Here we explored the unique contributions of boredom proneness, self-control and self-esteem to undergraduate self-reported higher grade point average (GPA). Within educational settings, prior research has shown self-control and self-esteem to be associated with better academic performance. In contrast, boredom proneness is associated with lower levels of self-control and self-esteem. Our analyses replicate those previous findings showing that self-control acts as a positive predictor of GPA. Importantly, we further demonstrated, for the first time, that boredom proneness has a unique contribution to GPA over and above the contribution of self-control, such that as boredom proneness increases, GPA decreases. We discuss potential mechanisms through which boredom proneness may influence academic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhotisha Mugon
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada; (J.B.); (J.D.)
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48
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Kruger TB, Dixon MJ, Graydon C, Stange M, Larche CJ, Smith SD, Smilek D. Using deliberate mind-wandering to escape negative mood states: Implications for gambling to escape. J Behav Addict 2020; 9:723-733. [PMID: 33010146 PMCID: PMC8943661 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2020.00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Slot machines are a pervasive form of gambling in North America. Some gamblers describe entering "the slot machine zone"-a complete immersion into slots play to the exclusion of all else. METHODS We assessed 111 gamblers for mindfulness (using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS)), gambling problems (using the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI)), depressive symptoms (using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale), and boredom proneness (using the Boredom Proneness Scale). In a counterbalanced order, participants played a slot machine simulator and completed an auditory vigilance task. During each task, participants were interrupted with thought probes to assess whether they were: on-task, spontaneously mind-wandering, or deliberately mind-wandering. After completing each task, we retrospectively assessed flow and affect. Compared to the more exciting slots play, we propose that gamblers may use deliberate mind-wandering as a maladaptive means to regulate affect during a repetitive vigilance task. RESULTS Our key results were that gamblers reported greater negative affect following the vigilance task (when compared to slots) and greater positive affect following slots play (when compared to the vigilance task). We also found that those who scored higher in problem gambling were more likely to use deliberate mind-wandering as a means to cope with negative affect during the vigilance task. Using hierarchical multiple regression, we found that the number of "deliberately mind-wandering" responses accounted for unique variance when predicting problem gambling severity (over and above depression, mindfulness, and boredom proneness). CONCLUSIONS These assessments highlight a potential coping mechanism used by problem gamblers in order to deal with negative affect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler B. Kruger
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada,Gambling Research Lab, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada,Corresponding author. E-mail:
| | - Mike J. Dixon
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada,Gambling Research Lab, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Candice Graydon
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada,Gambling Research Lab, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Madison Stange
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada,Gambling Research Lab, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Chanel J. Larche
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada,Gambling Research Lab, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen D. Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9, Canada
| | - Daniel Smilek
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
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49
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Are bored minds more likely to be addicted? The relationship between boredom proneness and problematic mobile phone use. Addict Behav 2020; 108:106426. [PMID: 32446143 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Boredom proneness has been demonstrated as a salient vulnerability factor for problematic mobile phone use. However, the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relationship are less investigated. In the current study, we constructed an integrative moderated mediation model to test the mediating role of depression and the moderating role of attentional control in the relationship between boredom proneness and problematic mobile phone use. METHOD A total of 1099 college students (Mage = 20.04; SD = 1.25) were recruited to fill out the questionnaires measuring boredom proneness, depression, problematic mobile phone use, and attentional control. RESULTS Depression partially mediated the relationship between boredom proneness and problematic mobile phone use. Attentional control moderated the indirect relationship between boredom proneness and problematic mobile phone use through depression, with the indirect relationship being weaker for college students with higher levels of attentional control. Moreover, attentional control moderated the direct relationship between boredom proneness and problematic mobile phone use, in that this relationship was stronger for college students with higher levels of attentional control. CONCLUSIONS These findings illuminate the pathway through which boredom proneness is linked to problematic mobile phone use (i.e., mediation) and the condition on which the relationship between boredom proneness and problematic mobile phone use depends (i.e., moderation). More importantly, this study revealed the potential "double-edged sword" effect of attentional control. These findings have implications for early intervention and prevention of problematic mobile phone use in college students.
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50
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Mengin A, Allé MC, Rolling J, Ligier F, Schroder C, Lalanne L, Berna F, Jardri R, Vaiva G, Geoffroy PA, Brunault P, Thibaut F, Chevance A, Giersch A. [Psychopathological consequences of confinement]. L'ENCEPHALE 2020; 46:S43-S52. [PMID: 32370983 PMCID: PMC7174176 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2020.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The psychological effects of isolation have already been described in the literature (polar expeditions, submarines, prison). Nevertheless, the scale of confinement implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented. In addition to reviewing the published studies, we need to anticipate the psychological problems that could arise during or at a distance from confinement. We have gone beyond the COVID-19 literature in order to examine the implications of the known consequences of confinement, like boredom, social isolation, stress, or sleep deprivation. Anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, suicidal or addictive behaviours, domestic violence are described effects of confinement, but the mechanisms of emergence of these disorders and their interrelationships remain to be studied. For example, what are the mechanisms of emergence of post-traumatic stress disorders in the context of confinement? We also remind the reader of points of vigilance to be kept in mind with regard to eating disorders and hallucinations. Hallucinations are curiously ignored in the literature on confinement, whereas a vast literature links social isolation and hallucinations. Due to the broad psychopathological consequences, we have to look for these various symptoms to manage them. We quickly summarize the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches already in place, such as telemedicine, which is undergoing rapid development during the COVID-19 crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mengin
- Inserm U1114, pôle de psychiatrie des hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, centre régional psychotraumatisme Grand Est, Strasbourg, France
| | - M C Allé
- Inserm U1114, pôle de psychiatrie des hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, université de Strasbourg, 1, place de l'Hôpital, 67091 Strasbourg, France; Center on Autobiographical Memory Research, Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Danemark
| | - J Rolling
- Service de psychiatrie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, CNRS UPR 3212, institut des neurosciences cellulaires et intégratives, hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, centre régional psychotraumatisme Grand Est, Strasbourg, France
| | - F Ligier
- Pôle universitaire de psychiatrie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, centre psychothérapique de Nancy - EA 4360 APEMAC, université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - C Schroder
- Fondation Fondamental, Créteil, France; Service de psychiatrie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, CNRS UPR 3212, institut des neurosciences cellulaires et intégratives, hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - L Lalanne
- Inserm U1114, service d'addictologie, pôle de psychiatrie des hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - F Berna
- Inserm U1114, pôle de psychiatrie des hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, université de Strasbourg, 1, place de l'Hôpital, 67091 Strasbourg, France; Fondation Fondamental, Créteil, France
| | - R Jardri
- Dir. Plasticity & SubjectivitY (PSY) team, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition Centre (LiNC), Inserm U-1172, université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - G Vaiva
- U1172 Inserm, centre hospitalier universitaire de Lille, Centre National de Ressources et Résilience (Cn2r) pour les Psychotraumatisme, Lille, France
| | - P A Geoffroy
- NeuroDiderot, Inserm, université de Paris, 75019 Paris, France; Department of Psychiatry and Addictive Medicine, University Hospital Bichat-Claude-Bernard, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - P Brunault
- CHRU de Tours, Équipe de liaison et de soins en addictologie, UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, INSERM, Université de Tours, QualiPsy EE 1901, Tours, France
| | - F Thibaut
- International Association of Women's Mental Health (President), Université de Paris, CHU Cochin, Inserm U1266, institut de psychiatrie et neurosciences de Paris, Paris, France
| | - A Chevance
- Inserm U1153, CRESS, Inra, service hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie, centre hospitalier Sainte-Anne, université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - A Giersch
- Inserm U1114, pôle de psychiatrie des hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, université de Strasbourg, 1, place de l'Hôpital, 67091 Strasbourg, France; Fondation Fondamental, Créteil, France.
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