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

Weinstein, N. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2200-6617, Hansen, H. and Nguyen, T.-v. (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). pp. 1443-1457. ISSN 1099-0992 doi: 10.1002/ejsp.2983

Abstract/Summary

AbstractWhat 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.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/113233
Identification Number/DOI	10.1002/ejsp.2983
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Department of Psychology
Uncontrolled Keywords	Social Psychology
Publisher	Wiley
Download/View statistics	View download statistics for this item