2-127 - Positively Alone? Searching for the Benefits of Solitude in Childhood, Adolescence, and Emerging Adulthood

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Integrative Statement

The psychological study of solitude has been characterized by multiple and competing perspectives (Coplan & Bowker, 2014). There has been considerable theoretical and empirical support for the notion that excessive time in solitude can have negative consequences for well-being across childhood and adolescence (e.g., peer relationship difficulties, internalizing problems) (Rubin et al., 2009). In contrast, whereas theorists have long highlighted the potential benefits of spending time alone (e.g., Storr, 1988; Winnicot, 1958), there have been only a handful of empirical studies that have provided direct (or even indirect) support for these assertions (e.g., Galanaki, 2004; Larson, 1990; Rubin, 1982). Developmental changes in age-normative expectations regarding peer interaction and attitudes toward spending time alone may also impact upon the implications of solitude at different ages (Coplan & Bowker, 2014).

In this symposium, we explore the potential positive aspects of solitude at three developmental time periods. The first presentation focuses on the correlates of spending time alone outside of school (as compared to displaying solitary behaviors at school) in early childhood. In the second presentation, the implications of having a positive affinity for aloneness is examined in a sample of adolescents. The third presentation explores associations between preference for solitude and indices of well-being among emerging adults. An expert researcher will then provide an integrative discussion and commentary on these presentations. This symposium makes a unique contribution to the extant literature by (for the first time) collecting a series of studies specifically designed to ascertain potentially positive aspects of being alone.

Sub Unit

• Social Relationships

Chair

• Robert Coplan, Carleton University

Discussant

• Julie C Bowker, University at Buffalo, SUNY

Individual Presentations

• Examining Links between Solitary Behavior at School, Time Spent Alone at Home, and Socio-Emotional Functioning in Early Childhood - Presenting Author: Kristen A. Archbell, Carleton University; Laura L. Ooi, Carleton University; Laura Cater, Carleton University; Robert Coplan, Carleton University; Linda Rose-Krasnor, Brock University

• Positive Attitude Toward Aloneness and Adolescent Adjustment: An Exploration of Non-Linear Associations - Presenting Author: Marlies Maes, KU Leuven; Luc Goossens, KU Leuven

• Preference for Aloneness and Indices of Adjustment in Emerging/Young Adulthood - Presenting Author: Nathan A Jorgensen, Brigham Young University; Larry J. Nelson, Brigham Young University