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. 2023 Dec;49(12):1663-1678.
doi: 10.1177/01461672221115941. Epub 2022 Sep 3.

Definitions of Solitude in Everyday Life

Netta Weinstein  1 , Heather Hansen  1 , Thuy-Vy Nguyen  2
Affiliations

Definitions of Solitude in Everyday Life

Netta Weinstein et al. Pers Soc Psychol Bull. 2023 Dec.

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.

Keywords: alone; balance; leisure; quiet; solitude.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Conceptual model reflecting themes.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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