Читать книгу The Handbook of Solitude - Группа авторов - Страница 19

As we have seen, we still have much to learn about the nature of the complex links between solitude and well‐being. Moving forward, we would assert that we should aim for balance in this discussion. That is, solitude is not a one size fit all phenomenon – and as a result – we should be careful how we advocate its implementation. As an example of how to think about the implementation of such a complex construct, Coplan, Zelenski, and Bowker (2018) likened the effects of solitude on well‐being to spending time in direct sunlight. In this regard, experiencing at least some sunlight on a regular basis is probably good for all of us (e.g., source of vitamin D), but also particularly important for some of us (e.g., those with Seasonal Affective Disorder). However, the optimal time that we spend in the sun differs across individuals (e.g., some people get sunburned more easily than others), and chronic overexposure puts all of us at increased risk for negative consequences (e.g., melanoma).

Importantly, this suggests that there are potentially negative implications for both getting too much solitude – but also – and importantly – for not getting enough solitude (Coplan, Hipson et al., 2019). Ultimately, it appears that our experiences of solitude may be subject to the Goldilocks Hypothesis. As it applied to bowls of chairs, porridge, and beds, the Goldilocks Hypothesis asserts that there is an optimal amount (“just right”) of exposure to certain circumstances or experiences for positive effects to occur that is specific to each individual (e.g., Coplan et al., 2019; Kagan, 1990; Kidd et al., 2014; Przybylski & Weinstein, 2017). Accordingly, the chapters in this handbook have helped shed light on the biological, environmental (e.g., family, peers), and contextual (e.g., culture) factors that contribute to what determines the amount and type of solitude that is “just right” for any individual.

Indeed, we would like to thank the contributing authors for their thought‐provoking and insightful chapters. We hope that the content of the volume will be of benefit to readers who are trying to utilize the potential benefits in their own lives. Also, we are hopeful that the chapters will further stimulate research related to our understanding of the causes and consequences of solitude.