BOREDOM PRONENESS AND THE NEED FOR COGNITION

The effect of need for cognition on boredom proneness scores among 214 undergraduates was investigated using the short form of the Need For Cognition Scale (Cacioppo, Petty, & Kao, 1984) and Farmer and Sundberg 's (1986) Boredom Proneness Scale. As predicted, the results showed th at individuals low in need for cognition possessed greater boredom pro neness scores. That is, individuals who were less likely to engage in and enjoy effortful cognitive activities were more prone to experience the negative affect of boredom when compared to high need-for-cogniti on persons. It appears that individuals who are more inclined to provi de their own stimulation are more apt to escape the negative experienc es of boredom. Implications of these findings, gender differences amon g boredom proneness and need for cognition, and areas for future resea rch are discussed. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc.