ON BOREDOM IN WINTER SLEEP

On the Function of Boredom

Boredom is frequently considered inconsequential and has received relatively little research attention. We argue that boredom has important implications for human functioning, based on emotion theory and empirical evidence. Specifically, we argue that boredom motivates pursuit of new goals when the previous goal is no longer beneficial. Exploring alternate goals and experiences allows the attai...

In Place of Boredom

Where Does Bluetongue Virus Sleep in the Winter?

Unsolved Mystery B luetongue virus (BTV) is spread by the bites of Culicoides midges (Figure 1), and can infect ruminant livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats, wild ruminants such as deer, and camelids. Some infected animals develop the disease known as bluetongue, with clinical signs ranging from apathy and weight loss to swollen heads, tender feet and death (Figure 2). Historically a tro...

The phenomenon of boredom

Boredom remains a poorly understood phenomenon despite its evident association with dysfunctional behavior and mental health problems. However, little research has been devoted to the topic, and the bulk of studies have almost exclusively been quantitative in design. For this reason, a qualitative, interpretive phenomenological study was carried out, during which ten participants were asked for...

Boredom in acute psychiatric care.

Patients hospitalized in acute care psychiatric settings often complain of boredom. Neither historical context nor geographical settings seem to make a difference. Boredom can be found in contemporary studies and older studies, in studies in the United States and the United Kingdom (Raphael, 1974; Raphael & Peers, 1972; Shields, Morrison, & Hart, 1988; Thomas, Shattell, & Martin, 2002). Boredom...