The Christian Psychologist: Mental Health for 21st Century Christ Followers

Episode 34: Boredom

Episode Summary

In the 34th episode, Dr. Knabb explores a topic that seems to be overwhelming contemporary society: boredom. Specifically, he explores the secular psychology literature on the topic, then a Christian viewpoint, capturing the mental health implications along the way. To conclude, Dr. Knabb guides listeners through a short practice to practice God's presence in order to gently pivot from boredom to the excitement and newness that comes from walking with the God of love.

Episode Notes

References

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Boredom. https://dictionary.apa.org/boredom

Cassian, J. (1997). The conferences. Paulist Press.

Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.

Koball, A. M., Meers, M. R., Storfer-Isser, A., Domoff, S. E., & Musher-Eizenman, D. R. (2012). Eating when bored: Revision of the Emotional Eating Scale with a focus on boredom. Health Psychology, 31(4), 521–524.

Lawrence, B. (2015). The practice of the presence of God. (S. Sciurba, Trans.). ICS Publications.

LePera, N. (2011). Relationships between boredom proneness, mindfulness, anxiety, depression, and substance use. The New School Psychology Bulletin, 8(2), 15-25.

Martin, M., Sadlo, G., & Stew, G.(2006) The phenomenon of boredom. Qualitative Research in Psychology,3, 193-211.

Mikulas, W. L., & Vodanovich, S. J. (1993). The essence of boredom. The Psychological Record, 43(1), 3.

Poels, K., Rudnicki, K., & Vandebosch, H. (2022). The media psychology of boredom and mobile media use: Theoretical and methodological innovations. Journal of Media Psychology: Theories, Methods, and Applications, 34(2), 113–125.

Tam, K. Y., Van Tilburg, W. A., & Chan, C. S. (2021). What is boredom proneness? A comparison of three characterizations. Journal of Personality, 89(4), 831-846.

Upper Room Dictionary of Christian Spiritual Formation. (2013). Acedia. Upper Room Books.

Vodanovich, S. (2003). Psychometric measures of boredom: A review of the literature. The Journal of Psychology, 137, 569-595.

Westgate, E. C., & Steidle, B. (2020). Lost by definition: Why boredom matters for psychology and society. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 14(11), e12562.