Something You Should Know Can You Be Bored to Death? & Why Thrill Seekers Seek Thrills
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Aug 11, 2025 
James Danckert, a psychology professor and author of 'Out of My Skull,' explores the depths of boredom, discussing its nature, purpose, and surprising effects on mental health. He explains how boredom can serve as a motivational signal that prompts engagement. Meanwhile, Ken Carter, a board-certified clinical psychologist and author of 'Buzz!,' dives into the psyche of thrill-seekers, revealing their motivations and the physiological differences that drive their adrenaline-fueled pursuits. Together, they dissect the fine line between boredom and thrill-seeking behaviors.
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Use Control And Value To Engage Students
- James Danckert recommends giving students autonomy (control) and showing the value of material to prevent boredom.
- Restoring agency and meaning keeps students engaged and reduces disengagement.
Boredom Ties Closely To Attention Lapses
- James Danckert connects boredom to attention problems and mind wandering across tasks and daily life.
- People prone to boredom perform worse on sustained attention tasks and often struggle to refocus after errors.
Teach Kids To Solve Their Own Boredom
- James Danckert advises parents to let children try solving boredom themselves and build a personalized boredom plan together.
- Have kids create solutions they own so they learn tools to reengage independently.
