Solving the Boredom Puzzle: Exploring Creativity With Self-Distancing in a Moderated Mediation Model

Miaomiao Li and Peihao Wang

SAGE Open, 2025, vol. 15, issue 2, 21582440251334220

Abstract: While boredom proneness has been widely studied, debate continues about whether it enhances or impedes creativity. This study examined the mediating role of self-distancing and the moderating effect of workplace anxiety on the relationship between boredom proneness and creativity. Drawing on self-distancing theory, this study applied a moderated mediation model to explore the relationship between boredom proneness and creativity. The analysis of data from 283 employees revealed a significant positive relationship between boredom proneness and creativity, as well as a notable positive association between self-distancing and creativity. These findings suggested that self-distancing mediates the relationship between boredom proneness and creativity. Furthermore, workplace anxiety intensified the indirect effect of boredom proneness on creativity through self-distancing. This study deepens the understanding of boredom proneness and creativity offering valuable theoretical and practical insights within the self-distancing framework.

Keywords: boredom proneness; self-distancing; workplace anxiety; creativity; moderated mediation model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:sagope:v:15:y:2025:i:2:p:21582440251334220

DOI: 10.1177/21582440251334220

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