Momentary solitude and affective experiences: The moderating role of trait mindfulness.

People who are better at describing their experiences and acting with awareness feel less of a drop in high-energy positive emotions when alone. Those who are more nonreactive to inner experiences feel a stronger boost in calm, low-energy positive emotions during solitude. People who observe their experiences more closely feel less low-energy negative emotion when alone. The study tracked 188 adults in Hong Kong, ages 19 to 93, who reported their social situation and feelings five times daily for a week.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Adults spend a significant amount of time alone every day, but mindfulness factors influencing the experience of solitude (time spent alone) are underexplored. Based on person-environment fit theory, we examined the moderating role of five facets of trait mindfulness (observing, describing, acting with awareness, nonjudging of inner experiences, and nonreactivity to inner experiences) on the relationship between solitude and affective experiences. In this experience sampling study, 188 adults (Mage = 51.47, SDage = 17.75, range = 19-93, 66.50% female) in Hong Kong completed a trait mindfulness questionnaire and then were notified five times a day for seven consecutive days to report their momentary social situation (in solitude or not) and affective states. We found that higher scores on describing and acting with awareness weakened the negative association between solitude and high-arousal positive affect. Higher nonreactivity to inner experiences amplified the positive association between solitude and low-arousal positive affect. Higher observing weakened the positive association between solitude and low-arousal negative affect. These findings enhance our understanding of solitude experiences by highlighting the role of trait mindfulness in enhancing affective experiences in solitude.