The Relationship Between Time Structure and Boredom Proneness: An Investigation Within Two Cultures

Abstract

The relationship between time structure and boredom proneness was examined within 2 cultures. University students from Ireland and the United States completed the Boredom Proneness Scale (BPS; R. Farmer & N. D. Sundberg, 1986), the Time Structure Questionnaire (TSQ; M. J. Bond & N. T. Feather, 1988), and a demographic questionnaire. Results indicated that time structure had a significant effect on boredom proneness scores. Greater time use scores were related to lower boredom proneness scores in the Irish sample but to higher boredom proneness scores in the U.S. sample. Gender was a significant predictor of boredom proneness in the U.S. sample, with men associated with higher boredom scores than women. However, gender was not a significant factor among the Irish.