Clarifying the Conceptualization and Measurement of Motivations for Solitude: A Structural Analysis

A lack of clarity in the theoretical and empirical literature on solitude has led to the creation of numerous measures assessing different but conceptually overlapping motivations for spending time alone. The present study sought to address this issue by examining the factor structure across 10 commonly used measures of solitude motivations. Participants were N = 2,106 emerging adults (M_age = 20.8 years, 51.4% White/Caucasian) who completed 10 self-report measures of solitude motivations and measures of psychological adjustment. An exploratory factor analysis revealed three motivational factors: (1) shyness, (2) affinity for solitude, and (3) detachment. Results from path analyses indicated that shyness and detachment motivations were related positively to indicators of psychological difficulties (e.g., higher levels of loneliness), whereas affinity for solitude was not. Findings point to solitude motivation as a multi-dimensional, three-factor construct during the emerging adulthood developmental period and set the stage for future research.