Loneliness or Solitude: How Are They Different?

Abstract

Loneliness, social isolation, aloneness, and solitude may be used interchangeably by some who may miss the difference between them. Loneliness is the experience of being alone, or perceiving that one is alone and unimportant to others. Solitude is being geographically isolated out of one’s choice. Loneliness is not a feeling, but a multidimensional construct which is expressed cognitively, behaviorally and affectively. solitude is also reviewed and a clear distinction between loneliness and solitude is established. The paper examines both constructs and highlights the emotional, cognitive and behavioral manifestations of each, and how solitude may assist us in facing loneliness.