ADHD Traits Linked to Chronic Boredom

People with ADHD experience boredom more intensely due to poor attention control and working memory.

Why it matters

  • Study finds people with ADHD traits experience more frequent and intense boredom.
  • Difficulty controlling attention and working memory may explain this boredom.

By the numbers

  • 31 participants with ADHD traits vs. 57 controls.
  • Boredom proneness significantly higher in ADHD group (d = 2.09).
  • Attention control and working memory explain 5.8% and 6.4% of ADHD-related boredom variance.

The big picture

  • Study supports the Cognitive Theory of Boredom, linking ADHD traits to poor attention control and working memory.
  • Experts suggest adaptive strategies to manage boredom.

What they're saying

  • Some commenters criticize proposed coping strategies.
  • Others emphasize the need for environments accommodating neurodivergence.

Caveats

  • Small study with self-reported measures.
  • Specific interventions may not work for all individuals.

What’s next

  • Further research on effective strategies for managing boredom in individuals with ADHD.