Exploring Spiritual Boredom: A New Frontier in Psychological Research

A **groundbreaking study** from the University of Vienna, recently published in *Communications Psychology*, reveals that **boredom is a significant factor** in spiritual practices such as yoga, meditation, and silent retreats. The research, based on the **control-value theory (CVT)**, shows that boredom arises when individuals feel over-challenged, under-challenged, or perceive a low value in the activity. In a survey involving over 1,200 adults across five spiritual settings, results indicated that boredom could undermine **motivation and mindfulness**, reducing the transformative potential of these practices. In today's world, shaped by crises, many seek comfort in spirituality. Yet, as this study suggests, boredom may become an obstacle. The recommendation is to **personalize spiritual practices**, emphasizing their relevance to enhance their benefits. Spiritual teachers are encouraged to engage actively with practitioners, tailoring experiences to individual needs to foster fulfillment and reduce spiritual boredom. This research not only opens a new field of inquiry but also stresses the importance of addressing boredom to enhance the positive outcomes of spiritual exercise.