Understanding the Potential of Solitude
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Authors
Williams, Leslie
Issue Date
2017
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
aloneness , positive solitude
Alternative Title
Abstract
This thesis seeks to investigate the positive psychology of solitude. Solitude can be viewed as a kind of positive aloneness, a sought out and enjoyable experience that is not usually associated with negative emotions. For some, spending time alone is to be avoided at all costs; for others, time spent alone can be enjoyable and a necessity. Solitude is a volitional state and as such is intrinsically considered a beneficial sort of aloneness in contrast to loneliness (McGraw, 2010). Making a clear distinction between these two very different experiences is key to exploring how therapists may collaborate with clients to find a sense of a personal private space, and explore the positive possibilities of time spent alone. Be it through creativity, spirituality or being immersed in nature, solitude and the awareness it can facilitate, allows for greater connection and participation with personal meanings and truths, both internally and in relationship.
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Citation
Publisher
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess