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Solitude as a Positive Experience: Empowerment and Agency
Valeria Motta1, Lisa Bortolotti1
1University of Birmingham.
Metodo
|February 20, 2026
Summary
Solitude can be a positive experience, fostering freedom, creativity, and spirituality. It enhances agency and authenticity by focusing on presence, unlike loneliness which is characterized by absence.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Phenomenology
- Sociology
Background:
- Solitude is often contrasted with loneliness, but its positive aspects are less explored.
- Existing literature highlights benefits such as freedom, creativity, and spirituality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the phenomenology of solitude and distinguish it from loneliness.
- To investigate the role of the agent-environment relationship in positive solitude experiences.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on the benefits of solitude.
- Phenomenological study exploring experiences of loneliness and solitude in a religious community.
Main Results:
- Solitude is characterized by presence, while loneliness is characterized by absence.
- Solitude enhances agency, expanding possibilities for action and fostering authenticity.
- Solitude can lead to empowerment, enabling individuals to pursue valued goals.
Conclusions:
- The agent-environment relationship is crucial for positive solitude experiences.
- Solitude, distinct from loneliness, offers significant psychological benefits including empowerment and authenticity.
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