Psychologists: Boredom drives people to sadism

Psychologists from Aarhus University have discovered that boredom drives people toward sadism.

The researchers analyzed a number of studies that examined the behavior of a total of more than 4,000 people. In one study, participants answered questions designed to find out how often they got bored, such as “I often have to do the same and repetitive things” and “I often have a lot of unfinished business.” Participants also mentioned whether they were tough with their peers at school and whether they now enjoy humiliating and hurting others.

Other studies analyzed the behavior of military personnel in relation to each other, parents – to children. In one experiment, participants watched a 20-minute video of a waterfall, and to pass the time, the scientists presented them with a coffee grinder and some coffee. Although only a small percentage decided to grind coffee to pass the time (the grinder was modified so that the coffee beans would not be damaged), these participants associated their actions with a sense of pleasure.

Both experience and surveys showed that in conditions of boredom people tend to use violence against others, make fun of them, and take out their anger on them.

The researchers concluded that, “Overall, this work contributes to a better understanding of sadism and highlights the destructive potential of boredom.”

The authors note that boredom has not previously been seen as a cause of child abuse. Therefore, the analysis provides a basis for future research on domestic violence.

– Details of the study in an article in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology: Interpersonal Relationships and Group Processes.