Boredom propensity, psychological flexibility, and boredom experience

Abstract

Objectives: There is a growing awareness of how boredom takes part in one’s well being. However, there is still limited body of evidences of what kinds of factors contribute to the construct of boredom and the mechanism in how boredom affects the well being of an individual. Therefore, this study aimed to yield more evidences on how boredom propensity and boredom state manifest among Hong Kong university students. Method:242 participants were recruited from the University of Hong Kong. They were invited to complete a set of online questionnaires and a 7-day experience recording for boredom experience. Multiple regression model analysis and mediation analysis were employed as analytic strategies for predictors of boredom propensity and the role of psychological flexibility in mediating the relationship between boredom proneness and one’s well being. Multilevel modeling analysis was used to investigate how variables at different levels contribute to one’s actual boredom experience. Results: Results showed that cognitive flexibility, level of mindfulness and perceived life engagement significantly predict Boredom Proneness Scale. The perceived life engagement significantly predicts Boredom Susceptibility Scale. One’s psychological flexibility acts as a significant mediator of the relationship between boredom propensity and perceived well being.Perceived loneliness and perceived calmness are significant predictors for boredom state.