Jennifer Richards
Solitude is often characterized as "being alone or isolated from civilization." Because humans are social organisms with a strong need for interpersonal bonds, solitude can be difficult. As a result, loneliness (Long & Averill, 2003), poor positive affect, or unpleasant thoughts have been commonly related with solitude. On the contrary, it has been acknowledged that alone can provide benefits such as freedom of choice, relief from social stresses, and the possibility for spirituality or creativity. Autonomy is one of the key qualities related with a favorable feeling of isolation. When solitary is self-determined, resulting from self-motivation, it is positively experienced; non-self-determined solitude that arises without one's control and desire is adversely experienced.