Dr. Ransirini de Silva & Dr. Ruwan M. Jayatunge
Boredom is an underexplored but significant
emotional state with implications for mental health. In the modern digital
age—where attention is continually stimulated and information is
instantaneously accessible—the experience of boredom may be more frequent, and
perhaps more distressing, than in previous generations.
Boredom is a transient affective state
commonly perceived as dull or unpleasant. O’Hanlon (1981) described it as
arising from monotonous tasks or limited external stimulation, while Barbalet
(1999) conceptualized it as a discrete emotional experience. Typically regarded
as negative (Danckert et al., 2018), boredom prompts individuals to seek
novelty or escape the perceived stagnation, often resulting in mind-wandering
and restlessness.
Universally, boredom is defined as the
aversive state of wanting, but being unable, to engage in satisfying activity
(Eastwood et al., 2012). Deng et al. (2022) associate boredom with
self-dysregulation and attentional failure. It has also been linked to
increased nostalgia (van Tilburg et al., 2012) and may reflect a lack of
progress toward personally meaningful goals (van Hooft et al., 2018) or
meaningful relationships, accompanied by diminished control over one’s life
(Steele et al., 2013).
Despite its ubiquity, boredom remains
understudied in the field of mental health (Bench & Lench, 2013). It is
often identified as a symptom of diminished meaning or purpose (Binnema, 2004)
and a precursor to impulsive behaviors (Dittmar & Drury, 2000).
Associations have been found between boredom and substance misuse (Lee et al., 2006),
problem gambling (Mercer et al., 2010), and reduced performance in academic and
occupational settings (Li et al., 2024). Students experiencing boredom may
underperform, while employees facing job boredom may suffer decreased
productivity and deteriorating well-being.
Importantly, boredom has also been associated
with serious psychological concerns. It is recognized as a risk factor for
anxiety and depression (Olié et al., 2022) and contributes to poor
psychological well-being more broadly (Weiss et al., 2022). It is closely
intertwined with experiences of loneliness and social isolation (An et al.,
2013) and may contribute to post-psychotic mood disturbances (Todman, 2003).
The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the
psychological impact of boredom. Prolonged social isolation and service
disruptions heightened feelings of stagnation and meaninglessness. Tam et al.
(2023) suggest that individuals who perceived boredom negatively experienced
greater psychological vulnerability during this period.
Yet, boredom is not inherently detrimental.
Emerging research reveals its adaptive potential when approached reflectively.
Carroll et al. (2010) suggest that boredom can stimulate challenge-seeking,
creativity, and prosocial behavior. Bench et al. (2012) argue that it
encourages the pursuit of new, more fulfilling goals. When reframed as a signal
for reorientation—rather than simply avoided—boredom can support resilience and
psychological growth.
In summary, boredom is a complex,
underappreciated emotional state with clear mental health consequences. It is
associated with psychological distress, impulsivity, and diminished well-being,
yet it may also motivate meaningful change and adaptive engagement. As digital
environments reshape how we experience attention and engagement, understanding
boredom becomes increasingly relevant. Future research and clinical practice
must consider how to both mitigate its risks and cultivate its transformative
potential—by encouraging rest, embracing boredom as a reflective state, and
integrating boredom-tolerance into resilience-building programs.
Dr. Ransirini de Silva PhD is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology
and a Clinical Psychologist. She is the Head /Psychology & Counselling
Department of Psychology & Counselling, Faculty of Health Sciences, The
Open University of Sri Lanka.
Dr. Ruwan M. Jayatunge M.D. PhD is a Medical Doctor and a Clinical Psychologist, also a
member of the (APA) American Psychological Association. He is a guest lecturer
at Sri Lankan and North American universities.
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