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Definitions of Solitude in Everyday Life.
Definitions of Solitude in Everyday Life.
- Source :
- Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin; Dec2023, Vol. 49 Issue 12, p1663-1678, 16p
- Publication Year :
- 2023
-
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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 01461672
- Volume :
- 49
- Issue :
- 12
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 173550293
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1177/01461672221115941