Boredom proneness predicts quality of life in outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.

BACKGROUND

There is increasing recognition of the clinical significance of boredom associated with functional impairments in schizophrenia. Previous work has highlighted the importance of motivational deficits more broadly, although no study has yet explored the unique effects of boredom on community outcomes.

AIMS

This study aims to measure boredom proneness among outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia to determine whether it is elevated in this population and to determine its relation to quality-of-life outcomes.

METHODS

A self-report measure of boredom proneness along with standard measures of symptoms and functional status was administered to a community-dwelling sample of schizophrenia outpatients.

RESULTS

Boredom proneness was found to be elevated in this population and was associated with reduced quality of life, specifically with leisure activity dissatisfaction and reduced sense of financial well-being. Negative symptoms were determined to be associated with reduced work and school functioning.

CONCLUSION

This pattern of unique effects on quality of life highlights the clinical relevance of identifying a subjective state of boredom and has theoretical importance in distinguishing boredom proneness specifically from more general avolitional and amotivational conditions that have tended to be the focus of clinical observation and previous research.