Self-compassion predicts less boredom: the role of meaning in life

Boredom is a prevalent experience linked to negative psychological and societal outcomes. Building on the notion that sources of meaning in life can mitigate boredom, we examined whether self-compassion would be negatively associated with boredom and if the elevated sense of meaning in life that self-compassion offers could explain this negative association. We tested these predictions at the trait and state level using self-report measures with three correlational studies. In Study 1 (N = 49), we tested if trait self-compassion correlated negatively with boredom proneness. In Study 2 (N = 265), we investigated if this relationship was mediated by presence of meaning in life. In Study 3 (N = 191), we tested this mediational model for state experiences of self-compassion, meaning in life, and boredom. Correlational (SPSS) and mediational analyses (AMOS) were used to analyze the data. Consistently, we found negative associations between self-compassion and boredom (Studies 1–3). Further, presence of meaning in life mediated the relationship between self-compassion and boredom (Study 2 and 3). We conclude that self-compassionate individuals are less likely to experience boredom and this is partially explained by greater meaning presence. The findings add to the notion that self-compassion, offering meaning in life, reduces boredom.