Self-transcendent emotions as a psychological resource against boredom: the role of meaning in life

Boredom is a common affective experience, associated with many negative psychological, behavioral, and societal outcomes. While research highlighting these problematic consequences is mounting, little is known about the psychological resources that can limit boredom. This thesis aimed to address this void. Boredom differs from other negative emotions in that it features a perceived lack of meaning in life. The existential-buffering hypothesis suggests that sources of meaning in life buffer against boredom. Self-transcendent emotions shift attention outside of the self, increase feelings of connection, and are likely to boost meaning in life. Thus, we reason that self-transcendent emotions will predict less boredom by engendering perceptions of meaning in life. We tested this prediction across four distinct research projects, addressing four different self-transcendent emotions. In Chapter 2, we tested the relationship between self-compassion and boredom via meaning in life with three studies. Chapter 3 investigated the relationship between compassion (for others) and boredom, and the mediating role of meaning in life, with three studies. Chapter 4 assessed the complex impact of awe on boredom with five studies. Chapter 5 extended the findings of the preceding chapters and prior work on gratitude to the ecologically valid context of everyday life using a daily diary study. The findings of all four chapters provided support for the central hypothesis that self-transcendent emotions can curtail boredom by augmenting perceptions of meaning in life. This research advances the literature on multiple levels. First, it provides novel insights into the relationship between self-transcendent emotions, meaning in life, and boredom at various levels of analysis. Second, it strengthens support for the existential-buffering hypothesis. Third, by identifying psychological processes that prevent boredom, this thesis has important practical implications for well-being and provides a solid foundation to stimulate future research on boredom prevention.