The Science of Boredom

Drawing on her own empirical research into boredom, psychologist Dr Sandi Mann investigates how we experience, react to and attempt to escape boredom in the fast‑paced twenty‑first century.

She examines its causes in a world of constant digital stimulation, its links with risk‑taking, compulsive behaviours and dissatisfaction, and its impact in settings such as work, education and family life.

At the same time, the book argues that boredom has an overlooked positive side: when we allow ourselves unstructured downtime, boredom can trigger humour, reflection, creativity and inspiration, and can ultimately enrich our lives if we learn to embrace rather than avoid it.