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Who enjoys solitude? autonomous functioning (but not introversion) predicts self-determined motivation (but not
Thuy-Vy T Nguyen1, Netta Weinstein2, Richard M Ryan3
1Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom.
Plos One
|May 25, 2022
Summary
Introversion does not predict enjoying solitude. Instead, dispositional autonomy, the tendency to self-regulate authentically, predicts self-determined motivation for solitude, enhancing well-being.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Personality Science
- Self-Determination Theory
Background:
- Solitude literature distinguishes between preference for solitude and self-determined motivation for solitude.
- Preference for solitude is wanting time alone over social interaction, irrespective of motivation.
- Self-determined motivation for solitude involves seeking enjoyment and benefits from alone time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between introversion and solitude motivation.
- To examine the role of dispositional autonomy in solitude motivation and preference.
- To test popular beliefs about introverts' reasons for seeking solitude.
Main Methods:
- Two diary studies were conducted with university students.
- Participants completed personality measures, including introversion and dispositional autonomy.
- Daily reports on experiences with solitude over seven days were collected.
Main Results:
- Introversion was not found to predict either preference for or motivation for solitude.
- Dispositional autonomy consistently predicted self-determined motivation for solitude.
- Dispositional autonomy was unrelated to the preference for solitude.
Conclusions:
- Contrary to popular belief, introversion does not drive the desire for solitude.
- Dispositional autonomy is a key factor in the self-determined motivation for solitude.
- Valuing solitude is linked to individual differences in authentic self-regulation.
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