Scientists: Boredom Can Indeed be Deadly
pine Webmaster of Pineapple
2010/02/08 02:45
508 topics published
2010-2-8
Scientists have discovered that boredom can shorten lifespan. Researchers say that people who complain of boredom are more likely to die early, and those who experience high levels of boredom are 1.5 times more likely to die from heart disease or stroke compared to those who are content with their lives.
The study, which spanned 25 years, examined over 7,000 British civil servants. Those who complained of boredom were nearly 40% more likely to have died by the end of the study than those who did not.
Scientists suggest the reason may be that unhappy individuals often turn to unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking, which can reduce life expectancy.
Experts from the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at University College London analyzed data from 7,524 civil servants surveyed between 1985 and 1988. At the time, the participants were aged between 35 and 55, and the study focused on their levels of boredom.
**Heart Disease Linked to Boredom**
The findings, set to be published this week in the *International Journal of Epidemiology*, highlight a connection between heart disease and boredom. Co-author Martin Shipley said, "Research on heart disease shows there is sufficient evidence linking it to boredom."
He added, "It’s important for people in tedious jobs to find interests outside of work rather than turning to drinking or smoking."
Psychologist Graham Price further noted, "It’s also crucial to distinguish cause and effect. Are these people turning to alcohol and drugs because they’re bored, or do they have certain predispositions?"
He said, "Some people feel unfulfilled, dull, or prone to depression. For them, the way out is to focus less on themselves and more on others. Instead of constantly thinking 'me, me, me,' they should consider: What can I do for my family, friends, colleagues, or even my boss?"
The survey revealed that 10% of civil servants had felt bored in the past month, with women reporting boredom more than twice as often as men. Younger civil servants and those in low-skill jobs were also more prone to boredom.
Those who reported feeling extremely bored had a 37% chance of dying by the study’s conclusion. (*Daily Mail*)
Source:
http://www. takungpao. com/ news/ 10/ 02/ 08/ YM- 1213025. htm