Who feels good in solitude? A qualitative analysis of the personality and mindset factors relating to well‐being when alone

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

Abstract

What leads to peaceful and enjoyable solitude? Little is known about which personality and mindset qualities benefit individuals during time spent alone. The current study was designed to build a foundation for future quantitative and qualitative research making a priori predictions about well-being (e.g., relaxation) or ill-being (e.g., loneliness) when individuals are in solitude. Semi-structured interviews of n = 60 participants, aged 19–80, were analyzed into themes. Exposure to the benefits of solitude early in life and personality characteristics that cross life's domains (capacity for introspection and self-reflection and optimism) were associated with enjoying solitude. Mindsets recognizing that solitude benefits self-connection, as well as in situ factors of creativity and curiosity, appeared to play important roles. In a final theme, self-compassion, a present focus and perspective taking helped to alleviate discomfort during difficult moments of solitude. These findings deepen our understanding of which qualities individuals bring forward to enhance their moments of solitude.

Citation

Weinstein, N., Hansen, H., & Nguyen, T. (2023). Who feels good in solitude? A qualitative analysis of the personality and mindset factors relating to well‐being when alone. European Journal of Social Psychology, 53(7), 1443-1457. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.2983

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 3, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Aug 30, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023-12
• Deposit Date: Sep 25, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 25, 2023
• Journal: European Journal of Social Psychology
• Print ISSN: 0046-2772
• Electronic ISSN: 1099-0992
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 53
• Issue: 7
• Pages: 1443-1457
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.2983
• Keywords: Social Psychology
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1747337