22 Nov The Boredom Five

Forget the Jackson Five or the Five Stages of grief – the next biggest ‘penta’ to hit the stands is the five types of boredom.

‘Boredom?’ you ask. How can boredom be categorized?

The journal “Motivation and Emotion” recently published a study outlining the four well known and categorized states of boredom, in addition to the recently added fifth. That’s right, boredom is not a run of the mill stagnant state, but something that differs based on the individual. The category does not change based on personality, environment, or emotion, but individuals generally feel one distinct type of boredom.

•  Indifferent boredom (Characterized by feeling relaxed and indifferent – typical coach potato boredom);
• Calibrating boredom (Characterized by feeling uncertain but also receptive to change/distraction);
• Searching boredom (Characterized by feeling restless and actively searching for change/distraction); and
• Reactant boredom (Characterized by feeling reactive, such as someone bored out of her mind storming out of a movie theater to find something better to do).
• Apathetic boredom (People exhibiting apathetic boredom are withdrawn, avoid social contact, and are most likely to suffer from depression. In fact, apathetic boredom could be considered a portal leading to depression.

Researchers have outlined the downfalls of the study, but the data doesn’t lie and further examination will be pursued. When it comes to care-giving and support, identifying different types of boredom in your daily circle could be crucial in troubleshooting problems and allaying unhealthy patterns. Craf

ting creating ideas based on the type of boredom could push your loved one or client into a steadier mental state. What does ACCFamily say to that? Give us a high FIVE in agreement.