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Prior research has proposed that boredom and academic performance are reciprocally causal of one another. The present study sought to better understand the relationship between boredom and academic performance by, for the first time: distinguishing between boredom proneness, state boredom, and judgments of task boringness; conducting experiments in the laboratory where extraneous variables could be better controlled; and using experimental manipulation for causal conclusions. Study 1 examined the naturally occurring relationship between state boredom and performance on a word list recall task in the laboratory. Study 2 tested whether manipulating state boredom resulted in changes in word list recall, and Study 3 tested whether manipulating perceived word list recall resulted in changes in state boredom. State boredom and performance had a reciprocal relationship only for participants who memorized "interesting" word lists and only after repeated trials (Study 1); trait boredom predicted performance but state boredom did not (Study 2); and manipulating perceptions of performance had no effect on state boredom but did affect participants' judgments of how boring the learning task was (Study 3). Thus, students seem to be able to weather changes in performance or boredom in the moment without one affecting the other. It is when the situation persists, or state boredom crystallizes into the form of a judgment (course-related boredom) or way of being (trait boredom), that problems emerge. Guidelines for educators are offered. Future research work is proposed, most pressingly work to replicate the current findings with more complex learning tasks.

Background: Mental effort plays a critical role in regulating cognition. However, the experience of mental effort may differ for individuals with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a disorder for which sustained mental effort ‘avoidance’ or ‘dislike’ is a criterion in the DSM. We conducted a scoping review to characterize the literature on the experiences of effort in ADHD. Methods: This systematic scoping review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews and Joanna Briggs Methodology. PsycINFO (OVID), PsycINFO (ProQuest) and PubMed were searched for studies published in English before February 14, 2023. Studies must have included an ADHD population or a measure of ADHD symptomatology, in addition to a self-report measure of the experience of effort or the use of an effort preference paradigm. Two researchers reviewed all abstracts, and one researcher reviewed full-text articles. Results: Only 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. Several gaps and inconsistencies in the research were identified in terms of method, definitions of effort, measurements of ADHD, and sample characteristics. Moreover, the pattern of results on the experience of effort was mixed. Conclusion: Despite its diagnostic and conceptual significance, the experience of mental effort in ADHD is not well studied. Critical gaps were identified in the existing literature. A three-facet conceptualization of effort is proposed– specifically, task-elicited effort, volitionally exerted effort, and the affect associated with engaging in effort – to guide future explorations of the experience of effort in ADHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trait boredom plays a significant role in well-being. However, this construct suffers from conceptual ambiguity and measurement problems. The aim of this study was to propose a comprehensive theory and a strong assessment tool to address these limitations. We defined trait boredom as the frequent experience of state boredom resulting from a chronic lack of agency. We developed a six-item self-report scale of the tendency to often experience boredom. Results confirmed a uni-dimensional scale with strong psychometric properties, including adequate internal consistency (ω =.84–.93), interindividual stability (69.04% of variance accounted by a trait factor), and acceptable model fit (CFI =.977–.998, TLI =.962–.997, RMSEA =.025–.090, SRMR =.014–.029). Results confirmed the validity of the scale by showing its associations with related measures. Our findings provide clarity on trait boredom and a strong, new measure to be used in future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy efficiency (EE) is maximizing the effective utilization of energy while minimizing the costs of that energy. Implementation of energy-efficiency programs by a tribe can have many positive impacts. These include the reduction of energy costs and the associated freeing of significant financial resources for other important uses, improved electrical service, increased energy independence, improved air quality, reduction in environmental impacts, and others. Foremost among these benefits may be the potential for reduced energy costs. By employing EE measures, it is easily possible to save 10 percent on energy costs, and the potential exists to save in excess of 50 percent. Thus, if a tribe spends $100,000 annually on energy, it can expect a minimum energy cost savings of $10,000 annually and perhaps significantly more.

This article describes the development and validation of the Multidimensional State Boredom Scale (MSBS)--the first and only full-scale measure of state boredom. It was developed based on a theoretically and empirically grounded definition of boredom. A five-factor structure of the scale (Disengagement, High Arousal, Low Arousal, Inattention, and Time Perception) was supported by exploratory factor analyses and confirmatory factor analyses of two independent samples. Furthermore, all subscales were significantly related to a single, second-order factor. The MSBS factor structure was shown to be invariant across gender. MSBS scores were significantly correlated with measures of trait boredom, depression, anxiety, anger, inattention, impulsivity, neuroticism, life satisfaction, and purpose in life. Finally, MSBS scores distinguished between participants who were experimentally manipulated into a state of boredom and those who were not, above and beyond measures of trait boredom, negative affect, and depression. (Contains 8 tables, 1 figure and 4 notes.)

The three responses to the suggestion that the connection between lab and life does not exist are, first one denies there is a problem, second one declares that the problem is corrected, and third one acknowledges the presence of a problem, and responds by constructing an alternative approach is presented.

Cognitive Ethology can complement lab-based investigations on the understanding and the prediction of human cognition and behavior as it occurs within complex real-world situations is discussed.

BackgroundDespite the high prevalence of mental health concerns, few young adults access treatment. While much research has focused on understanding the barriers to service access, few studies have explored unbiased accounts of the experiences of young adults with mental health concerns. It is through hearing these experiences and gaining an in-depth understanding of what is being said by young adults that improvements can be made to interventions focused on increasing access to care. ObjectiveTo move beyond past research by using an innovative qualitative research method of analyzing the blogs of young adults (18–25 years of age) with mental health concerns to understand their experiences. MethodsWe used an enhanced Internet search vehicle, DEVONagent, to extract Internet blogs using primary keywords related to mental health. Blogs (N = 8) were selected based on age of authors (18–25 years), gender, relevance to mental health, and recency of the entries. Blogs excerpts were analyzed using a combination of grounded theory and consensual qualitative research methods. ResultsTwo core categories emerged from the qualitative analysis of the bloggers accounts: I am powerless (intrapersonal) and I am utterly alone (interpersonal). Overall, the young adult bloggers expressed significant feelings of powerlessness as a result of their mental health concerns and simultaneously felt a profound sense of loneliness, alienation, and lack of connection with others. ConclusionsThe present study suggests that one reason young adults do not seek care might be that they view the mental health system negatively and feel disconnected from these services. To decrease young adults’ sense of powerlessness and isolation, efforts should focus on creating and developing resources and services that allow young adults to feel connected and empowered. Through an understanding of the experiences of young adults with mental health problems, and their experiences of and attitudes toward receiving care, we provide some recommendations for improving receptivity and knowledge of mental health care services.