A self-determination theory perspective on the role of autonomy in solitary behavior.
People are often seen as social creatures and, consequently, solitary behaviors are often cast in a negative light. However, the authors hypothesized that the act of spending time alone is not necessarily related to negative outcomes; rather, individuals' motivation for doing so plays a key role. On the basis of self-determination theory (E. L Deci & R. M. Ryan, 2000; R. M. Ryan & E. L. Deci, 2000), the authors predicted and found that when individuals spend time alone in a volitional and autonomous manner, they counterintuitively report lower levels of loneliness and higher levels of well-being.
Chua
Sook Ning
SN
McGill University. sook.chua@mail.mcgill.ca
Koestner
Richard
R
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D008132:Loneliness / Q000523:psychology*; D009042:Motivation; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology*