Üniversite Öğrencilerinde Tek Başınalık Deneyiminin İncelenmesi

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore how university students experience solitude. The research was conducted using an exploratory sequential mixed methods design. The qualitative phase was based on a phenomenological approach and involved semi-structured interviews with 12 university students. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis, which revealed four main themes: determinants, intrinsic motivation, activities, and consequences. Based on the qualitative findings, the "Solitude Experience Scale" was developed and its validity and reliability were tested through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses as well as reliability tests. During the scale development process, data were collected from a total of 1062 students across three different sample groups. In the quantitative phase, data were collected using the Solitude Experience Scale, DASS-21, Preference for Solitude Scale, Brıef Emotıonal Experıence Scale, Short Version of the Scales of General Well-Being, UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8), Satisfaction with Life Scale and Personal Information Form. The quantitative data, collected from 800 university students, were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients, ANOVA, and structural equation modeling. The results showed that negative solitude significantly and positively predicted negative affect, loneliness, and depression, while positive solitude significantly and positively predicted positive affect, life satisfaction, and overall well-being. Additionally, in a model testing the combined effects of positive and negative solitude on depression, positive solitude significantly and negatively predicted loneliness, whereas negative solitude significantly and negatively predicted life satisfaction. The findings were discussed in light of the existing literature, and recommendations were offered for university students, researchers, psychological counselors, and policymakers.