Differential Routine Adaptability and the Spectrum of Boredom


Cinthya Guzman, University of Prince Edward Island

The COVID-19 pandemic, a crisis of unprecedented scale, has brought significant upheaval in our global society. This upheaval has had far-reaching impacts on mental health, emotional well-being, and the daily routines of individuals worldwide. Existing research provides some insight into these shifts, but its scope remains somewhat constrained by the inherently unpredictable nature of the pandemic. Most studies that focus on these shifts tend to rely on data collected exclusively during various stages of the pandemic, rather than comparing pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. To address this gap and enhance our understanding, I leverage a unique longitudinal dataset that tracks the same individuals both before and during the early phase of the pandemic (Spring/Summer 2020). This comprehensive dataset is composed of three key elements: (1) socio-demographic surveys conducted in two waves (wave 1, n = 118, and wave 2, n = 68); (2) experience sampling method (ESM) observations, amounting to over 10,000 real-time entries, collected at two-hour intervals across a 10-day period; and (3) in-depth qualitative interviews conducted post-ESM (wave 1, n = 100, and wave 2, n = 68). In this study, I rely on this rich and unique dataset to investigate changes in affective states, such as happiness, anxiety, loneliness, and boredom, as well as alterations in time perception and daily routines due to the pandemic. A particular focus of this research is on how social distancing and lockdown measures necessitated adjustments in peoples everyday lives, with an emphasis on coping strategies related to boredom. I propose the concept of differential routine adaptability, which helps to illuminate variations in the pandemics impact across different life cycles, gender, and socioeconomic status. My findings indicate significant increases in feelings of anger, anxiety, loneliness, and boredom, especially among women, lower socioeconomic groups, and both younger and older populations. Conversely, many adult men, particularly those in higher socioeconomic groups, reported improvements in their emotional state and daily routines. Some participants faced unprecedented challenges, whereas others, particularly those with stable careers and support systems, discovered positive aspects in the situation. These included pursuing new hobbies, focusing on self-improvement and creative endeavors, or reorganizing their work-life balance. The study reveals a spectrum of coping mechanisms, ranging from struggling with the constraints imposed by the pandemic to proactively exploring new activities and reorienting life perspectives. These diverse responses underscore the complexity and individuality of reactions to the pandemic-induced changes. Additionally, the analyses are enriched by narratives and experiences emerging from the interviews. Notably, the increases in boredom, unhappiness, and loneliness were often attributed to the disruption of regular routines and a lack of social support. This disruption exemplifies a common theme of uncertainty and emotional distress experienced by many during the pandemic. However, others described their affective states, particularly boredom, as transient and easily alleviated by engaging in various activities, some of which they had never had the opportunity or “time for” previously. The lockdowns disruption to active lifestyles, volunteer work, and established routines led to a challenging adjustment period for many, highlighting the importance of agency and adaptability in their coping strategies. These individual stories illustrate the vast diversity in responses to the pandemic, ranging from significant emotional challenges to creative and effective ways of navigating the new constraints. This study, therefore, sheds light on the complex spectrum of individual reactions to the unprecedented changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This paper will be presented at the following session: