Qualities of solitude that give rise to peaceful affect are sometimes thought to be responsible for negative emotions: namely, being alone with one’s own thoughts can be peaceful when constructive or unpleasant when thoughts are negative or judgmental. We tested the expectation that the self-kindness component of self-compassion relates to solitude moments characterised by peaceful affect and lower sadness, guilt, and isolation. We tested this in adults over 50 since solitude time can increase with age, and positive experience of this could protect against challenges of loneliness, age related health conditions, or caring for family members. Adults aged over 50 (N = 136) engaged in a three-day study involving planned self-nurturing or self-care activities during solitude. Data was collected for self-kindness and mood. A Control group completed surveys without planned solitude activities. A Self-Compassion Kindness group completed planned activities and surveys. Data from initial surveys were compared with state level data collected over three days. Significantly greater serenity and vitality with lower sadness, guilt, and isolation were present following daily reporting regardless of condition. Serenity and vitality were greater following engagement in solitude activities targeted towards self-kindness. The self-kindness component of self-compassion appears to be a key facilitator for positive solitude experience. Serenity and vitality were greater following solitude with self-kindness. Testing self-kindness with planned solitude over a longer period may be elicit greater benefits.

Authors:
Farah Wiita, University of Reading, United Kingdom
Netta Weinstein, University of Reading, United Kingdom
Aileen Ho, University of Reading, United Kingdom

About the Presenter(s)
Ms Farah L Wiita, PhD candidate at the University of Reading, interested in aging, health, family caregiving, and interventions to facilitate well-being. Farah is currently focusing on self-compassion in family carers of older adults.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

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