Keywords
Self-Concept, Boredom Management, Boredom and Productivity
Abstract
The present experiment explored whether or not a positive self-concept influences how individuals manage boredom in the workplace. It was hypothesized that individuals with a positive self-concept would cope better with boredom and complete a dull task more accurately. However, these hypotheses were not confirmed, the study found no significant relationship between self-concept and boredom coping, nor between self-concept and task accuracy. In fact, individuals with higher self-concepts were slightly less accurate, though the difference was not statistically significant. Additionally, the study analyzed participants’ written responses to questions about handling boredom using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software. The analysis revealed that boredom coping was linked to the use of affective language, such as emotional tone, and self-concept was linked to the use of socially oriented language. Overall, the findings suggest that self-concept may not be as important in managing boredom as previously thought. Other factors, beyond self-image, might play a more significant role in maintaining productivity and engagement during monotonous tasks. These results contribute to a better understanding of boredom management and offer insight for future research on workplace behavior and employee motivation.
Thesis Completion Year
2025
Thesis Completion Semester
Spring
Thesis Chair
Whitten, Shannon
College
College of Sciences
Department
Psychology
Thesis Discipline
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus Access
None
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
STARS Citation
Cintron, Norma I., "From Boredom To Purpose: How Self-Concept Can Affect Motivation In The Workplace" (2025). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 284.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/284
Rights Statement
