Solitude has long been seen as a way to recharge and find inner peace, but a recent study by Oregon State University suggests that not all forms of solitude are created equal. In fact, intense solitude, such as hiking alone in a remote forest, may not be as beneficial for your health and social connectedness as less complete forms of solitude.
The research, published in PLOS One, surveyed nearly 900 adults in the United States and found that activities like playing a game on your phone or going to a movie by yourself can offer advantages over more complete forms of solitude. These less intense forms of solitude were found to restore energy and maintain a feeling of connection with others.
According to Morgan Quinn Ross, assistant professor of communication at OSU, striking a balance between social interaction and solitude is key in today’s digital age. The study revealed that accessibility to others and engagement with media can impact the solitude experience, making time alone more social in nature.
The researchers developed a matrix of solitude that ranged from no interaction with people to being completely inaccessible to others and not engaging with media. This allowed them to explore the tradeoff of solitude and determine whether experiencing it more completely maximizes restoration or relatedness.
Contrary to popular belief, solitude is not simply the opposite of social interaction. While intense social interaction can build connections but deplete energy, intense solitude can deplete both energy and connection. It’s important to view solitude as a way to restore energy and maintain connection, rather than a means to avoid social interaction.
The study also found that individuals who viewed solitude positively, as a way to recharge and connect with others later on, experienced less detrimental effects on their well-being. This held true for both extroverts and introverts, suggesting that a constructive attitude towards solitude is key.
Overall, the research highlights the importance of understanding different shades of solitude and how they can impact our overall health and well-being. By approaching solitude with a positive mindset and using it as a tool for restoration and reconnection, we can reap the benefits of time spent alone.
