Is Trait Boredom Redundant?

Abstract

the present study explored trait boredom's usefulness as an individual difference measure for the prediction of psychosocial problems. the most striking findings were trait boredom's unique prediction of depression (an internalizing problem) and anger (an externalizing problem), over and above several other well-established trait variables, including neuroticism, impulsivity, emotional awareness, inattention, behavioral inhibition, and behavioral activation. the findings also confirmed predictions regarding differences between two main measures of trait boredom. Specifically, whereas the boredom Proneness Scale was more closely linked to internalizing problems, the boredom Susceptibility Scale was more closely linked to externalizing problems. this discrepancy is consistent with the growing body of literature suggesting that these two scales measure different types of trait boredom, and, more generally, that trait boredom is best conceptualized as a multidimensional construct. implications of these findings, including our understanding of trait boredom and directions for future research, are discussed. 898MeRCeR-LYnn et AL.

Exploring the Utility of the Multidimensional State Boredom Scale

“…Finally, continued work on establishing the cultural 668 invariance of the MSBS is needed. 669 Consistent with prior recommendations (Malkovsky 670 et al, 2012;Mercer-Lynn et al, 2013;Vodanovich, 2003), 671 we further advise that researchers consider incorporating 672 validated measures of state boredom into studies examining 673 trait boredom. As an example, empirical work exists on trait 674 boredom and trait anger (e.g., Dahlen, Martin, Ragan, & 675 Kuhlman, 2004;Mercer-Lynn et al, 2013), and on state 676 boredom and state anger (van Tilburg & Igou, 2011b …”

Risk‐taking increases under boredom

“…Nonetheless, future research should verify this effect further and examine what role‐related constructs, such as impulsiveness and sensation seeking, play in the link between boredom and risk‐taking. For example, Mercer‐Lynn, Hunter, and Eastwood () found that the positive association between trait boredom and self‐reported gambling and alcohol problems disappeared after controlling for trait impulsiveness, suggesting that this construct plays a key role. Furthermore, these researchers found that trait measures of boredom give different correlations internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors depending on the specific type of trait boredom measure (boredom proneness vs. boredom susceptibility).…”

The relationship between perceived stress and emotional distress during the COVID-19 outbreak: Effects of boredom proneness and coping style

“…Boredom proneness refers to the propensity toward experiencing boredom, and it will vary across individuals ( Farmer & Sundberg, 1986 ). Individuals with high scores on the boredom proneness scale (trait boredom) were likely to report more frequent boredom experience (state boredom) ( Mercer-Lynn, Hunter, & Eastwood, 2013 ).…”