Bored vs. Engaged individuals during COVID-19 lockdown period

Abstract

The present study was designed to compare individuals who were high on boredom proneness with those who were engaged on variables, such as, flow, mindfulness and loneliness during the COVID-19 lockdown period. In addition, correlates and predictors of boredom proneness were also found out using stepwise multiple regression analysis. The results revealed a significant positive relationship between boredom proneness and loneliness and a significant negative relationship between boredom proneness, flow and mindfulness which implies that boredom experience reduces the state of flow and mindfulness and increases the state of loneliness. The results have implications for mental health counselors. Mindfulness and time management interventions, activities to optimize flow experiences must be incorporated into the treatment plans to help the unemployed, the depressed and other vulnerable sections of society deal with this pandemic adaptively. Lockdown period can come again in the near future and has even been continuing in some parts of the world. Knowing how boredom proneness can significantly impact our mental health has implications for counselors and psychologists. Temporal perception and engagement with some productive activity could play a big role in optimizing well-being during the lockdown period.