On Boredom and Perceptions of Heroes: A Meaning-Regulation Approach to Heroism

Abstract

We propose that boredom, a state associated with a sense of meaninglessness, leads to a psychological search for meaning in life, which in turn elevates affirmation of heroes. This hypothesis builds on the notion that heroes function, in part, as sources of meaning in life.Using a correlational model, we found that boredom proneness predicted more positive perceptions of heroes via searches for meaning in one's own life. In addition, hero perceptions seemed to prevent boredom by offering a sense of meaning in life. These findings contribute to an understanding of the psychologically existential qualities of boredom and functions of heroes. The results are consistent with the assumption that boredom triggers the existential process of searching for meaning in life. It is this search that influences perceptions of heroes as vehicles for a sense of meaning in life. Our data suggest that heroes grant a sense of meaningfulness, and in so doing, may serve as a tool to counteract the lack of meaning signaled by boredom. These findings implicate novel avenues for future research on boredom and on heroes, and more precisely, they shed light on perception and affirmations of heroes as part of existential self-regulatory processes.

Benefits of heroes to coping with mortality threats by providing perceptions of personal power and reducing unhealthy compensatory consumption

“…enhancing (e.g., providing motivation, hope, inspiration, and morale), moral modeling (e.g., reminding people about the concept of good, values, and making the world better), and protecting (e.g., from danger, threats, and evil) (Kinsella et al, 2015b). Importantly, heroes provide psychological resources to individuals, particularly during times of threat (e.g., Coughlan, Igou, van Tilburg, Kinsella, & Ritchie, 2019;Kinsella et al, 2015b;Sullivan & Venter, 2005).…”

Risk‐taking increases under boredom

“…State boredom has been linked to outcomes such as charitable intensions (Van Tilburg & Igou, ), creativity (Mann & Cadman, ), nostalgic reverie (Van Tilburg, Sedikides, & Wildschut, ), intergroup bias (Van Tilburg & Igou, ), and political polarization (Van Tilburg & Igou, ). Trait boredom shares some of these as correlates (e.g., political polarization) and is furthermore associated with variables such as hero admiration (Coughlan, Igou, Van Tilburg, Kinsella, & Ritchie, ), anger (Dahlen, Martin, Ragan, & Kuhlman, ), aggression (Van Tilburg, Igou, Maher, & Lennon, ), and various negative physical and mental health outcomes (Vodanovich, ). The reason for the existence of so many and such diverse correlates and consequences of boredom might be that boredom is a ‘multi‐motive’ emotion.…”

Situational meaninglessness and state boredom: Cross-sectional and experience-sampling findings

“…Prior to the advent of "boredom" emerging as a common experience, "acedia" was the term to describe a state of meaninglessness, especially among monks and nuns and nobilities (Altschule, 1965;Svendsen, 2005). This terminological predecessor of boredom as well as boredom itself have been argued to be products of a lack of meaning (Fahlman et al, 2009; see also Coughlan, Igou, Van Tilburg, Kinsella, & Ritchie, 2017), but boredom in this regard was more akin to a general dissatisfaction than a moment-to-moment feeling.…”