Solitude, attachment and self-reflection in adolescence : an exploration of relationships

• Main Author: Budd, Bob
• Published: University of East Anglia 2008
• Subjects: 155.5
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.501112

Attachment has long been viewed as the fundamental mechanism underlying the way in which one relates to others. However little attention has been paid to the impact of attachment on spending time alone with the self. This would seem of particular importance to the adolescent population where spending time alone increases and is seen as part of the developmental process of individuation. It has been proposed that this increase in solitude coincides with advancing cognitive skills with which to make constructive-reflection. To explore the possible relationship between solitude (choosing to spend time alone), attachment, self-reflection and the ability to cope with emotional distress. Non-experimental, cross-sectional between subjects design. Using self-report measures, differences in level of preference for solitude were explored in relation to attachment styles, reflection, rumination and emotional self-efficacy.