Research at the University of Portsmouth has explored the relationship between high impulsivity and boredom, in an effort to find out what drives rash and sometimes unhealthy decisions. Impulsivity is the tendency to act quickly, and without thinking things through. It is linked to several psychiatric disorders, including ADHD, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Substance Use Disorders.
While it is well-known there is a strong link between boredom and impulsiveness, two new studies have shed light on the role stress plays in this relationship. The results, published in Physiology & Behavior, found participants with high trait impulsivity reported greater levels of boredom following a dull task. While this finding was expected, the new discovery was that these individuals experienced a greater physiological reaction by releasing more of the stress hormone cortisol.
Our findings shed light on the biological underpinnings of why some individuals, particularly those with high impulsivity, find boredom more stressful than others. By identifying how their stress response is triggered, and that cortisol is a key mediator, we can begin to better understand why this happens and to explore targeted interventions that help manage these reactions. This opens up new avenues for developing personalized approaches to reduce stress and improve mental health, especially for those who struggle with impulse control and the negative consequences of boredom.
" Dr. James Clay, lead author and res.
