This opinion piece argues that boredom should be considered as an important area of research by occupational therapists, although it has been somewhat neglected in the past. Literature on the subject identifies diverse causes of boredom, including occupational deprivation; however, it is not clear why the experience should be so prevalent in a culture where opportunities for engagement in activity are unprecedented. Boredom appears to be a subject of concern for people using mental health services as well as for the general population, but there is virtually no evidence of an effective way of overcoming the experience. Some areas for investigation are suggested.
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