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Look Inside Solitude

Solitude
The Science and Power of Being Alone

Authors:
Netta Weinstein, University of Reading
Heather Hansen, University of Reading
Thuy-vy T. Nguyen, Durham University

Date Published: April 2024
availability: In stock
format: Hardback
isbn: 9781009256605

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About the Authors

The average adult spends nearly one-third of their waking life alone. How do we overcome the stigma of solitude and find strength in going it alone? Whether we love it or try to avoid it, we can make better use of that time. The science of solitude shows that alone time can be a powerful space used to tap into countless benefits. Translating key research findings into actionable facts and advice, this book shows that alone time can boost well-being. From relaxation and recharging to problem solving and emotion regulation, solitude can benefit personal growth, contentment, creativity, and our relationships with ourselves and others. Learning what makes us better at spending time alone can help us move toward our best possible selves.
- Showcases different perspectives, traditions, stories, and research methods on solitude from people around the world
- Explains how we can balance our social and solo needs
- Clearly defines 'solitude' and demonstrates how it plays a role in the move toward our best possible selves
- Highlights some of the research conducted by the Solitude Lab and others before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Explores a wide range of topics connected to solitude, including but not limited to: creativity, anxiety, authenticity, ageing, and emotional regulation
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Reviews & endorsements
‘Evocative prose helps convey the shifting realities of solitude as experienced by both the interview subjects and the authors … It’s an illuminating take on a fundamental aspect of being human.' Publishers Weekly
‘Grounded, credible, and highly readable.’ Elle Hunt, New Scientist
‘These authors are psychologists and researchers in the field of studying the meaning and purpose of solitude in human life. The publisher is a scholarly one, and the authors refer to and quote dozens of scientific studies. But you may also be surprised, as we were, at how practical this book can be.’ Jon M. Sweeney, Spirituality & Practice
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Product details
- Date Published: April 2024
- format: Hardback
- isbn: 9781009256605
- length: 300 pages
- dimensions: 236 x 158 x 20 mm
- weight: 0.56kg
- availability: In stock
Table of Contents
A note to the reader
Introduction
1. Solitude is not just for hermits, poets, and billionaires
2. Everyday solitude for everyday people
3. What makes solitude great?
4. Mapping the benefits of solitude
5. What's choice got to do with it?
6. Balancing solitude with social time
7. Super/natural solitude
8. Finding your happy place in solitude
9. Can we get better at being alone?
10. Solitude across a lifetime.
Look Inside
Authors
Netta Weinstein, University of Reading
Netta Weinstein is an internationally recognized psychologist and director of the European Research Council's 'Solitude: Alone but Resilient' (SOAR) project. Her research focuses on motivation and well-being. She is also Professor of Psychology at the University of Reading and an associate researcher at the Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford, UK.
Heather Hansen, University of Reading
Heather Hansen is an independent science writer and author. She joined SOAR in 2020 to lend her expertise in interviewing and communication. She has won awards from the American Society of Journalists and Authors, the Society of American Travel Writers, and the Colorado Authors League.
Thuy-vy T. Nguyen, Durham University
Thuy-vy T. Nguyen is a pioneer and expert in studying solitude in laboratory experiments and investigating the factors that lead to different concepts of solitude. She is also Associate Professor in Psychology at Durham University, a fellow at Wolfson Research Institute for Health and Well-being, and principal investigator of the Solitude Lab at Durham University, UK.