“…Solitude is a double‐edged sword. On the one hand, studies of affective experiences have shown that, compared to being with others, being alone (and not interacting with others) is associated with increased negative affect and loneliness, and decreased positive affect and energy (Chui, Hoppmann, Gerstorf, Walker, & Luszcz, ; Jiang et al, ; Larson, Csikszentmihalyi, & Graef, ; Larson, Zuzanek, & Mannell, ; Nguyen, Ryan, & Deci, ; Pauly et al, ). On the other hand, studies also suggest people may seek solitude for escape or relaxation, fostering emotional renewal, greater low arousal positive affect, and lower self‐consciousness (Burger, ; Larson, ; Larson et al, ; Long et al, ; Nguyen et al, ; Pauly et al, ).…”