Definitions of Solitude in Everyday Life

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.

Investigating solitude as tool for downregulation of daily arousal using Ecological Momentary Assessments - STAGE 2 RR

“…The above conceptualization separates solitude from loneliness; this distinction is accepted by both researchers and laypeople (Galanaki, 2004;Weinstein et al, 2022). It also means that solitude is studied as a neutral concept and it is different from "positive solitude" proposed by Ost Mor et al (2020).…”

“…Therefore, in combination with the evidence that many adults around the world see solitude as a time for rest, psychological research suggests that solitude allows rest through downregulation of high-arousal emotions. As such, we proposed that this role of solitude in arousal regulation processes might be the key to maintaining balance between social time and solitary time (Coplan et al, 2019;Weinstein et al, 2022).…”

Positive Solitude: Rethinking public open space design in densely populated urban contexts. A Study in Hong Kong

“…Based on this distinction, Nguyen et al (2021) distinguished between 'public solitude', where several individuals are present but do not actively interact, and 'private solitude', where individuals are physically isolated from others. The state of private solitude has been understood as real solitude in psychological studies where potential connections have been prevented (Weinstein et al, 2022).…”

“…The ideal quantity of solitude may vary from person to person, but an environment that affords options for solitude and socialisation may be advantageous for everyone. (Weinstein et al, 2022).…”

“…In recent years, both positive and negative aspects of solitude have been discussed by scholars in the field of psychology (Coplan et al, 2019(Coplan et al, , 2021Lay, 2018; T. T. Nguyen et al, 2021Nguyen et al, , 2022Palgi et al, 2021;Thomas, 2021;Weinstein et al, 2022). Notably, scholars have found that positive solitude can have specific psychological advantages because the capacity to appreciate a solitary experience can improve life quality .…”