A latent class examination of affinity for aloneness in late adolescence and emerging adulthood

Abstract

AbstractAffinity for aloneness (i.e., an enjoyment of solitude) has been associated with negative adjustment, but it may depend on whether solitude is motivated by social anxiety. Thus, the current study investigated differences in affinity for aloneness in late adolescents and emerging adults while controlling for social anxiety. In a sample of late adolescents (N = 739, Mage = 16 years) and a sample of emerging adults (N = 600, Mage = 25 years), four groups were identified (an Affinity for Aloneness group that was not socially anxious, a Low group that scored low on affinity for aloneness and social anxiety, and two socially anxious groups). The prevalence of the Affinity for Aloneness group was high, and negative adjustment only predicted the likelihood of being in the socially anxious groups. Thus, negative adjustment appears to be linked to social anxiety rather than affinity for aloneness, providing evidence that it is necessary to account for social anxiety when studying affinity for aloneness to avoid over‐pathologizing solitude.