Comparison between relationships of loneliness and preference for solitude with some socio-demographic variables and aspects of subjective and psychological well-being of adults

Abstract

Unlike loneliness as an unpleasant and emotionally disturbing experience, preference for solitude is a voluntary withdrawal from other people. Therefore, unlike loneliness, it should not have a necessarily negative effect on well-being. The main goal of this study was to compare the direction and the strength of relationships of loneliness and preference for solitude with life satisfaction, self-esteem, and purpose in life. Three hundred and twenty-five adults, 25 to 70 years old, participated in the study. Relevant constructs were measured by the short version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale, Adapted Preference for Solitude Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale, and Purpose in Life Scale. Results showed that both loneliness and preference for solitude significantly negatively correlate with life satisfaction, self-esteem, and purpose in life, although those correlations were higher for loneliness than for preference for solitude. Results also pointed out the potential mediation role of loneliness in the relationship between a preference for solitude and aspects of subjective and psychological well-being. Gender, age, and partnership status-related differences in loneliness and preference for solitude were not significant. Only the education level significantly negatively correlated with loneliness, and significantly positively with preference for solitude. The results of this study emphasize the importance of differentiating between loneliness and solitude regarding their influence on well-being. While the relationship of loneliness with different aspects of well-being is negative during all periods of adulthood, it seems that older persons are particularly sensitive concerning the negative influence of voluntary withdrawal into solitude on subjective and psychological well-being.