Induced Boredom Constrains Mindfulness: An Online Demonstration
Samuel R. Koval, Mcwelling Todman
Psychology and Cognitive Sciences - Open Journal August 4, 2015 DOI: 10.17140/pcsoj-1-101 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 95 |
| Population | Adults recruited online via Amazon's Mechanical Turk |
| Measures | Multidimensional State Boredom Scale (MSBS) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 15 |
| Key findings | Boredom-induced participants reported significantly lower state mindfulness than controls, supporting an inverse relationship between state boredom and state mindfulness. The online boredom induction appeared successful, with boredom-induced participants scoring significantly higher on the Multidimensional State Boredom Scale and showing a significantly higher dropout rate. |
Abstract
Background: Boredom and mindfulness have long been considered to be incompatible psychological states. The latter state has been associated with a variety of psychological benefits, whereas the former has tended to be associated with far less positive outcomes and conditions, such as substance abuse and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).Method: In an effort to empirically validate the presumed inverse relationship between state boredom and state mindfulness, an online sample (n=95) was recruited via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk web-based service and randomly assigned to either an online Vowel Cancellation task condition or an online Reading Task condition (control). An online assessment of state mindfulness was conducted immediately following the assigned task.Results: As predicted, the boredom-induced individuals were found to report significantly lower levels of mindfulness than participants in the control group. Moreover, even though the entire study was conducted over the internet and involved no face-to-face contact with the study personnel, the online boredom induction procedure appeared to perform as intended. This was confirmed by the results on the standard manipulation check, the significantly higher scores of the boredom-induced individuals on the Multidimensional State Boredom Scale (MSBS);1 and the significantly higher dropout rate in the boredom induction condition.Conclusions: This is the first study that the authors are aware of that has been able to provide empirical evidence of a dynamic, inverse relationship between the psychological states of boredom and mindfulness. It is also the first study to report the successful induction of boredom using an online methodology. The clinical and methodological implications are discussed.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 6
- The toronto mindfulness scale: Development and validation Journal of Clinical Psychology 2006
- Perils and promise in defining and measuring mindfulness: Observations from experience. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Mindfulness and Psychotherapy FOCUS: The Journal of Lifelong Learning in Psychiatry 2010
- Perils and Promise in Defining and Measuring Mindfulness: Observations From Experience Clinical Psychology Science and Practice July 1, 2004
- A Comparison of Mindfulness-Based Group Training and Skills Group Training in Adults With ADHD Journal of Attention Disorders April 1, 2017
and 1 more in the library