Predictive Role of Boredom Proneness and Self-Efficacy on Perceived Stress among Civil Servants Working from Home during COVID-19 Lockdown

Abstract

The study investigates the predictive role of boredom proneness and self-efficacy on perceived stress among civil servants working from home during COVID-19 lockdown in Ibadan metropolis. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey using an anonymous online questionnaire to collect data from respondents. A snowball sampling technique was employed to recruit 206 participants (136 males and 70 females) with a mean age of 42.11 (SD of 4.12) recruited from Ibadan metropolis. Data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression analysis and t-test for independent sample. Result showed that boredom proneness and self-efficacy jointly predicted perceived stress (R2=0.21, F(2, 203) = 30.54, p < .01).Finally, there was no gender difference in perceived stress among civil servants [t(204) = -1.37, p>.05]. Based on these findings, the study concluded that boredom proneness and self-efficacy are determinants of perceived stress among civil servants during COVID-19 lockdown. We therefore recommended that behavioural scientists should design intervention programme tailored toward reducing boredom proneness and boosting self-efficacy of all civil servants such that it will help reduce stress during and after COVID-19 lockdown.