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

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.