The role of boredom proneness in self-reported anger and aggression

The effects of boredom proneness on different aspects of anger a,td aggression were examined. Undergraduate students (N = 293) completed the Boredom Proneness Scale, the Aggression Questionnaire, and the Anger Expression Scale. Multivariate analyses of covariance indicated that high boredom proneness total scores were related to greater overall Aggression and Anger scores. Individuals high in boredom proneness had significantly greater scores on the Hostility subscale of the Aggression Questionnaire, as well as gl eater scores an all three subscales on the Anger Expression Scale (Anger-In, Anger-Out, and Anger-Control). Additional MANCOVAs and regression analyses indicated that the Boredom subscales of Internal and External Stimulation have differential effects on anger and aggression compared to total BPS scores. The results suggest that boredom proneness may be a contributing factor in anger and aggression, and illustrate the importance of considering the facets (subscales) of this construct. Implications for diagnostic purposes and use in therapeutic settings are discussed.