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Corvallis, OR – Solitude can enhance your well-being, but only when it’s not too extreme, suggests new research from Oregon State University (OSU). The study, published in PLOS One, reveals that moderate forms of solitude—like reading in a café or listening to music while commuting—are more beneficial for mental health and social connectedness than intense isolation, such as hiking alone in a remote forest.
“Less complete forms of solitude are more likely to restore energy and maintain a feeling of connection with others,” said Morgan Quinn Ross, assistant professor of communication in the OSU College of Liberal Arts, who co-authored the study with Scott Campbell of Ohio State University. “In a world where social interaction is almost always just a click away, it’s important to understand how to balance social interaction with different types of solitude.”
The researchers surveyed nearly 900 adults in the United States to explore how various levels of solitude impact energy restoration and social connectedness. They found that activities involving “shaded” solitude—where people or technology remain accessible—were better for overall well-being than complete isolation. Examples include playing a game on your phone or attending a movie alone.
A New Perspective on Solitude and Social Interaction
The study challenges the common notion that solitude is merely the flipside of social interaction. While intense social interactions can build connections but drain energy, the researchers found that intense solitude can deplete both energy and connection.
Ross and Campbell developed a matrix of solitude to examine its effects. They distinguished between “base-level solitude,” where there’s no interaction with others, and “total solitude,” which includes complete inaccessibility to people and media. The findings highlight a tradeoff: while complete solitude might offer deep restoration, it risks reducing the sense of relatedness, which is vital for mental health.
“Our study suggests solitude does not simply function as a way to recharge energy lost during social interaction,” Ross explained. “Instead, it plays a more complex role that depends on how it is experienced and the mindset of the individual.”
The Role of Attitude Toward Solitude
The study also revealed that a person’s attitude toward solitude plays a significant role in its impact. Those who view solitude as an opportunity to restore energy and anticipate future social connections are more likely to benefit. On the other hand, seeking solitude to avoid social interaction may lead to negative feelings.
“If you have a positive attitude toward solitude—because you know it helps restore energy and that you’ll connect with others later—you’re likely to feel better,” Ross said. “But if you choose solitude to escape social interaction, it may make you feel worse.”
Interestingly, these findings apply to both extroverts and introverts, emphasizing that the quality of solitude matters more than personality type.
Solitude and Health: A Delicate Balance
The study underscores the importance of solitude in fostering social connectedness, a crucial factor for overall health. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, strong social ties are linked to longer lifespans, improved mental health, and a lower risk of serious illnesses like heart disease and dementia.
Ross’s research builds on the Communicate Bond Belong theory, which suggests social interaction enhances relatedness at the expense of energy, while solitude restores energy but reduces relatedness. The findings challenge this dichotomy, showing that moderate solitude can maintain both energy and social connection.
Practical Takeaways
For those seeking the benefits of solitude, Ross offers simple advice: choose solitude intentionally and constructively. Whether it’s a solo walk in the park or relaxing with music, moderate solitude can recharge your social energy without severing your sense of connection.
“Solitude is not one-size-fits-all,” Ross concluded. “Finding the right balance is key to making it a positive part of your life.”
Story Source: Materials provided by Oregon State University.
