Definitions of Solitude in Everyday Life

Weinstein, Netta; Hansen, Heather; Nguyen, Thuy-vy

Abstract

Abstract What does it mean to be in solitude? Researchers building this nascent field are learning much about the potential affordances of solitude, but lack an agreed-upon definition or set of definitions. Arriving at that meaning is crucial to forming a solid foundation for studies that use both naturalistic and laboratory designs to explore outcomes of solitude. This study identified themes from semi-structured interviews with adults aged 19 to 80 from diverse backgrounds. We concluded that solitude is a state in which the dominant relationship is with the self. If not physically alone, people in solitude are mentally distanced from others and away from active technology-mediated interactions. Complete solitude involves both physical separation and inner focus, but solitude is best defined through a taxonomy that recognizes physical separation and internal focus as independent, sufficient characteristics. An internal focus benefits from (but is not defined by) balancing solitude with social time, quiet, and choice.

Citation

Weinstein, N., Hansen, H., & Nguyen, T.-V. (2023). Definitions of Solitude in Everyday Life. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 49(12), https://doi.org/10.1177/01461672221115941

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 6, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Sep 3, 2022
• Publication Date: 2023-12
• Deposit Date: Nov 24, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 24, 2022
• Journal: Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin
• Print ISSN: 0146-1672
• Electronic ISSN: 1552-7433
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 49
• Issue: 12
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/01461672221115941
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1185508