Solitude Lab
@thesolitudelab.bsky.social
Solitude Lab conducts research and shares resource on how time spent alone influences emotions, thoughts, and internal experiences. Webpage: https://www.solitude-lab.com
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Study shows the lack of ‘me time’ for new mothers - Durham University
New mothers only have about an hour out of their waking day for rest, according to new research by our psychologists.
www.durham.ac.uk
New paper! 📄 🎉
We used a mixed-methods approach to understand the perception of "aloneness" among new mothers. The research highlight the importance of support system for mothers' rest and self-care.
Read more 👉 www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...
Our project 👉 www.solitude-lab.com/family-recha...
We used a mixed-methods approach to understand the perception of "aloneness" among new mothers. The research highlight the importance of support system for mothers' rest and self-care.
Read more 👉 www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...
Our project 👉 www.solitude-lab.com/family-recha...
Reposted by Solitude Lab
Want to help with autism research? The Social Experiences of Loneliness of Autistic Adults (SELA) Project at the AJ Drexel Autism Institute is forming a Community Council of autistic adults (ages 18–35) to help guide a 5-year study on loneliness and social connection. Info in flyer and alt-text.
November 6, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Want to help with autism research? The Social Experiences of Loneliness of Autistic Adults (SELA) Project at the AJ Drexel Autism Institute is forming a Community Council of autistic adults (ages 18–35) to help guide a 5-year study on loneliness and social connection. Info in flyer and alt-text.
Solitude isn’t about isolation. It’s about reconnection.
When we spend time alone by choice, we’re not withdrawing from the world, we’re returning to ourselves.
When we spend time alone by choice, we’re not withdrawing from the world, we’re returning to ourselves.
November 4, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Solitude isn’t about isolation. It’s about reconnection.
When we spend time alone by choice, we’re not withdrawing from the world, we’re returning to ourselves.
When we spend time alone by choice, we’re not withdrawing from the world, we’re returning to ourselves.
We believe that finding restorative #solitude is much more than just making the time for yourself; it's also about having people that support you to have that time.
This Family Recharge series aims at helping #parents reframe me-time. This is a collab with Common Films, led by UCL Dr Paul Craddock.
This Family Recharge series aims at helping #parents reframe me-time. This is a collab with Common Films, led by UCL Dr Paul Craddock.
October 10, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Gràcies! 🙏 🎉
Check out the discussion in Catalan about solitude from the team of researchers at University of Vic @uvic-ucc.cat
Click on thread below 👇
Check out the discussion in Catalan about solitude from the team of researchers at University of Vic @uvic-ucc.cat
Click on thread below 👇
En aquest capítol Laura Coll, Jorge Montesó, Toni Corominas i Elisenda Fenollosa dialoguen sobre estar sols de la mà de la recerca de la Dra. @thuyvytnguyen.bsky.social al seu laboratori de la solitud
@thesolitudelab.bsky.social
@thesolitudelab.bsky.social
September 23, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Gràcies! 🙏 🎉
Check out the discussion in Catalan about solitude from the team of researchers at University of Vic @uvic-ucc.cat
Click on thread below 👇
Check out the discussion in Catalan about solitude from the team of researchers at University of Vic @uvic-ucc.cat
Click on thread below 👇
New paper! 📄 🎉
We used a mixed-methods approach to understand the perception of "aloneness" among new mothers. The research highlight the importance of support system for mothers' rest and self-care.
Read more 👉 www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...
Our project 👉 www.solitude-lab.com/family-recha...
We used a mixed-methods approach to understand the perception of "aloneness" among new mothers. The research highlight the importance of support system for mothers' rest and self-care.
Read more 👉 www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...
Our project 👉 www.solitude-lab.com/family-recha...
Study shows the lack of ‘me time’ for new mothers - Durham University
New mothers only have about an hour out of their waking day for rest, according to new research by our psychologists.
www.durham.ac.uk
September 3, 2025 at 9:49 AM
New paper! 📄 🎉
We used a mixed-methods approach to understand the perception of "aloneness" among new mothers. The research highlight the importance of support system for mothers' rest and self-care.
Read more 👉 www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...
Our project 👉 www.solitude-lab.com/family-recha...
We used a mixed-methods approach to understand the perception of "aloneness" among new mothers. The research highlight the importance of support system for mothers' rest and self-care.
Read more 👉 www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...
Our project 👉 www.solitude-lab.com/family-recha...
New podcast episode 🎧 The Art of Solitude: radio.foxnews.com/2025/07/21/t...
In this episode of Searching for Heroes, our lab’s PI Dr Thuy-vy Nguyen joins Benjamin Hall to talk about how solitude can be a meaningful part of everyday life.
Give it a listen - and let us know what you think 🌿 😊
In this episode of Searching for Heroes, our lab’s PI Dr Thuy-vy Nguyen joins Benjamin Hall to talk about how solitude can be a meaningful part of everyday life.
Give it a listen - and let us know what you think 🌿 😊
The Art Of Solitude
Solitude Chapter Three: Ben and Principal Investigator of The Solitude Lab, Dr. Thuy-Vy Nguyen, explores the misconception that solitude is the absence of connection, as opposed to the…
radio.foxnews.com
July 23, 2025 at 10:30 AM
New podcast episode 🎧 The Art of Solitude: radio.foxnews.com/2025/07/21/t...
In this episode of Searching for Heroes, our lab’s PI Dr Thuy-vy Nguyen joins Benjamin Hall to talk about how solitude can be a meaningful part of everyday life.
Give it a listen - and let us know what you think 🌿 😊
In this episode of Searching for Heroes, our lab’s PI Dr Thuy-vy Nguyen joins Benjamin Hall to talk about how solitude can be a meaningful part of everyday life.
Give it a listen - and let us know what you think 🌿 😊
Thank you for your suggestion! We have recently looked into a few traits that are related to Sensory-Processing Sensitivity, including Introversion and Autistic traits. We found that individuals high on those traits tend to prefer solitude especially when experiencing social stress.
Your research should look into the Elaine Aron's theory of Highly Sensitive People (HSP). The trait of solitude is a factor in HSP and Sensory Processing Sensitivity.
Congratulations 🎉 to 3-year undergrad Anika Cukingnan ✨ who has been awarded the @durhampsych.bsky.social's Summer Internship. Anika will be helping our lab to process physiological data 📈 collected from a project looking at the effects of extended solitude on emotion and cognition 👏
July 22, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Thank you for your suggestion! We have recently looked into a few traits that are related to Sensory-Processing Sensitivity, including Introversion and Autistic traits. We found that individuals high on those traits tend to prefer solitude especially when experiencing social stress.
Reposted by Solitude Lab
🧠 Meet the minds behind In-Mind: Social Media Team 🧠
✨ Anika Cukingnan
💼 Social Media Team
🎓 BSc Psych Student @durham-university.bsky.social, Summer Internship @thesolitudelab.bsky.social
🔍 Research interests: social, clinical & health psychology
#MeetTheTeam #Psychology #ScienceCommunication
✨ Anika Cukingnan
💼 Social Media Team
🎓 BSc Psych Student @durham-university.bsky.social, Summer Internship @thesolitudelab.bsky.social
🔍 Research interests: social, clinical & health psychology
#MeetTheTeam #Psychology #ScienceCommunication
July 21, 2025 at 7:01 AM
🧠 Meet the minds behind In-Mind: Social Media Team 🧠
✨ Anika Cukingnan
💼 Social Media Team
🎓 BSc Psych Student @durham-university.bsky.social, Summer Internship @thesolitudelab.bsky.social
🔍 Research interests: social, clinical & health psychology
#MeetTheTeam #Psychology #ScienceCommunication
✨ Anika Cukingnan
💼 Social Media Team
🎓 BSc Psych Student @durham-university.bsky.social, Summer Internship @thesolitudelab.bsky.social
🔍 Research interests: social, clinical & health psychology
#MeetTheTeam #Psychology #ScienceCommunication
Reposted by Solitude Lab
Congratulations 🎉 to 3-year undergrad Anika Cukingnan ✨ who has been awarded the @durhampsych.bsky.social's Summer Internship. Anika will be helping our lab to process physiological data 📈 collected from a project looking at the effects of extended solitude on emotion and cognition 👏
July 9, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Congratulations 🎉 to 3-year undergrad Anika Cukingnan ✨ who has been awarded the @durhampsych.bsky.social's Summer Internship. Anika will be helping our lab to process physiological data 📈 collected from a project looking at the effects of extended solitude on emotion and cognition 👏
Congratulations 🎉 to 3-year undergrad Anika Cukingnan ✨ who has been awarded the @durhampsych.bsky.social's Summer Internship. Anika will be helping our lab to process physiological data 📈 collected from a project looking at the effects of extended solitude on emotion and cognition 👏
July 9, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Congratulations 🎉 to 3-year undergrad Anika Cukingnan ✨ who has been awarded the @durhampsych.bsky.social's Summer Internship. Anika will be helping our lab to process physiological data 📈 collected from a project looking at the effects of extended solitude on emotion and cognition 👏
For this post, we brought to you a reflection sparked by an exchange with a Solitude Lab reader💬. They reached out to share their experience with #neurodivergence 🧠 and how #solitude has been a nurturing space for them - to heal, think, and create 🌿.
Read here: www.solitude-lab.com/post/solitud...
Read here: www.solitude-lab.com/post/solitud...
Solitude as Sanctuary: Insights from a Neurodivergent Reader
Writer: Thuy-vy NguyenSomeone wrote to me recently, a stream-of-consciousness reflection that has given me a lot of thoughts. They didn’t ask for advice or feedback. They simply shared. And what they…
www.solitude-lab.com
June 25, 2025 at 8:30 AM
For this post, we brought to you a reflection sparked by an exchange with a Solitude Lab reader💬. They reached out to share their experience with #neurodivergence 🧠 and how #solitude has been a nurturing space for them - to heal, think, and create 🌿.
Read here: www.solitude-lab.com/post/solitud...
Read here: www.solitude-lab.com/post/solitud...
Sometimes solitude is just you, the sky, and a jellyfish-shaped kite.
No noise, no rush, just wind, string, and stillness.
#SolitudeLab #QuietMoments #TimeAlone
No noise, no rush, just wind, string, and stillness.
#SolitudeLab #QuietMoments #TimeAlone
June 24, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Sometimes solitude is just you, the sky, and a jellyfish-shaped kite.
No noise, no rush, just wind, string, and stillness.
#SolitudeLab #QuietMoments #TimeAlone
No noise, no rush, just wind, string, and stillness.
#SolitudeLab #QuietMoments #TimeAlone
Congratulations to our lab member Xiangyu Deng for winning the Poster Award at the Psychology Early Career Conference (PECC). Xiangyu is in his 1st year PhD and his first study uses #EMA to look at the interplay between social media use and cognitions in different social and solitary contexts.
June 6, 2025 at 6:44 AM
Congratulations to our lab member Xiangyu Deng for winning the Poster Award at the Psychology Early Career Conference (PECC). Xiangyu is in his 1st year PhD and his first study uses #EMA to look at the interplay between social media use and cognitions in different social and solitary contexts.
Happy Friday! This week our lab had our end-of-year get-together and discussed the studies everyone has helped with this academic year. It is only appropriate to mark this occasion with some violin plots 🎻 🎉
May 23, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Happy Friday! This week our lab had our end-of-year get-together and discussed the studies everyone has helped with this academic year. It is only appropriate to mark this occasion with some violin plots 🎻 🎉
Reposted by Solitude Lab
🏡 For most of history, privacy was rare—people worked, ate & shared beds together. Over time, design changes (private studies, separate rooms, locking trunks) influenced how and where we find subjective and objective solitude.
🔗 Read more in our latest blog post: buff.ly/MPUIGsa
#Solitude #Privacy
🔗 Read more in our latest blog post: buff.ly/MPUIGsa
#Solitude #Privacy
The Evolution of Private Spaces: How Homes Transformed to Allow for Solitude
Written by Thuy-vy NguyenOn 10 March, Solitude Lab will be meeting with the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. In preparation, we reflect on how home design has evolved over time to…
www.solitude-lab.com
March 4, 2025 at 11:09 AM
🏡 For most of history, privacy was rare—people worked, ate & shared beds together. Over time, design changes (private studies, separate rooms, locking trunks) influenced how and where we find subjective and objective solitude.
🔗 Read more in our latest blog post: buff.ly/MPUIGsa
#Solitude #Privacy
🔗 Read more in our latest blog post: buff.ly/MPUIGsa
#Solitude #Privacy
What does solitude mean to 6th graders? @thuyvytnguyen.bsky.social spoke with a class of 11 year olds, who showed nuanced understanding of solitude and loneliness. Choice and what they do alone are central to their solitude experiences.
✨ Read our new blogpost: www.solitude-lab.com/post/explori...
✨ Read our new blogpost: www.solitude-lab.com/post/explori...
Exploring Solitude and Loneliness with 11-Year-Olds: Key Insights from a Thoughtful Session
Written by Thuy-vy NguyenGet involved: If you are a school or teacher who would love to have a session for your students on solitude, emotional regulation, and the power of choice, please reach out…
www.solitude-lab.com
May 2, 2025 at 10:00 AM
What does solitude mean to 6th graders? @thuyvytnguyen.bsky.social spoke with a class of 11 year olds, who showed nuanced understanding of solitude and loneliness. Choice and what they do alone are central to their solitude experiences.
✨ Read our new blogpost: www.solitude-lab.com/post/explori...
✨ Read our new blogpost: www.solitude-lab.com/post/explori...
We Are Back! 👋 Our lab has taken a three-month pause to focus on a few key activities behind the scenes—but we have so many updates to share with you! From new blog posts and research findings to upcoming events and collaborations, there’s a lot happening.
May 2, 2025 at 6:30 AM
We Are Back! 👋 Our lab has taken a three-month pause to focus on a few key activities behind the scenes—but we have so many updates to share with you! From new blog posts and research findings to upcoming events and collaborations, there’s a lot happening.
Retirement brings more time alone—but how do retirees spend it? We interviewed older adults & thematically analyzed their insights. While some embraced solitude for hobbies & self-care, others faced challenges adjusting. Read their experiences: www.solitude-lab.com/post/finding...
#MeTime #WellBeing
#MeTime #WellBeing
Finding Joy in Solitude After Retirement
Written by Becky YarwoodEdited by Thuy-vy NguyenSource: ‘Alone Time in the Golden Age: Pre-Retiree and Retiree Experiences of Solitude’ (Manuscript in Preparation) Relate…
www.solitude-lab.com
March 19, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Retirement brings more time alone—but how do retirees spend it? We interviewed older adults & thematically analyzed their insights. While some embraced solitude for hobbies & self-care, others faced challenges adjusting. Read their experiences: www.solitude-lab.com/post/finding...
#MeTime #WellBeing
#MeTime #WellBeing
Another preprint is out! 🚀 We explore how retirees experience and redefine (or plan for) their solitude in meaningful ways.
Check it out here: doi.org/10.31234/osf...
#Retirement #Solitude
Here’s a quick breakdown of key findings! 🧵👇
Check it out here: doi.org/10.31234/osf...
#Retirement #Solitude
Here’s a quick breakdown of key findings! 🧵👇
OSF
doi.org
March 10, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Another preprint is out! 🚀 We explore how retirees experience and redefine (or plan for) their solitude in meaningful ways.
Check it out here: doi.org/10.31234/osf...
#Retirement #Solitude
Here’s a quick breakdown of key findings! 🧵👇
Check it out here: doi.org/10.31234/osf...
#Retirement #Solitude
Here’s a quick breakdown of key findings! 🧵👇
Our lab's attempt of creating a GIF (pronounced "gif" or "jif" 🤔).
This summarises recommendations delivered next week to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. We triangulated qualitative and quantitative on factors most valued by living-alone adults about their neighbourhood.
This summarises recommendations delivered next week to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. We triangulated qualitative and quantitative on factors most valued by living-alone adults about their neighbourhood.
March 7, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Our lab's attempt of creating a GIF (pronounced "gif" or "jif" 🤔).
This summarises recommendations delivered next week to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. We triangulated qualitative and quantitative on factors most valued by living-alone adults about their neighbourhood.
This summarises recommendations delivered next week to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. We triangulated qualitative and quantitative on factors most valued by living-alone adults about their neighbourhood.
🏡 For most of history, privacy was rare—people worked, ate & shared beds together. Over time, design changes (private studies, separate rooms, locking trunks) influenced how and where we find subjective and objective solitude.
🔗 Read more in our latest blog post: buff.ly/MPUIGsa
#Solitude #Privacy
🔗 Read more in our latest blog post: buff.ly/MPUIGsa
#Solitude #Privacy
The Evolution of Private Spaces: How Homes Transformed to Allow for Solitude
Written by Thuy-vy NguyenOn 10 March, Solitude Lab will be meeting with the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. In preparation, we reflect on how home design has evolved over time to…
www.solitude-lab.com
March 4, 2025 at 11:09 AM
🏡 For most of history, privacy was rare—people worked, ate & shared beds together. Over time, design changes (private studies, separate rooms, locking trunks) influenced how and where we find subjective and objective solitude.
🔗 Read more in our latest blog post: buff.ly/MPUIGsa
#Solitude #Privacy
🔗 Read more in our latest blog post: buff.ly/MPUIGsa
#Solitude #Privacy
23 older adults shared their experiences of solitude in retirement.
For some, alone time is a source of joy and creativity. For others, it can feel isolating. Our latest blog explores these perspectives through in-depth interviews.
Read more: https://buff.ly/4i4v90A
For some, alone time is a source of joy and creativity. For others, it can feel isolating. Our latest blog explores these perspectives through in-depth interviews.
Read more: https://buff.ly/4i4v90A
Retirement and Solitude: How Older Adults Spend Their Time Alone
Written by Becky Yarwood Source: ‘Alone Time in the Golden Age: Pre-Retiree and Retiree Experiences of Solitude’ (Manuscript in Preparation) This project was made possible by the support of Age UK…
buff.ly
February 18, 2025 at 1:30 PM
23 older adults shared their experiences of solitude in retirement.
For some, alone time is a source of joy and creativity. For others, it can feel isolating. Our latest blog explores these perspectives through in-depth interviews.
Read more: https://buff.ly/4i4v90A
For some, alone time is a source of joy and creativity. For others, it can feel isolating. Our latest blog explores these perspectives through in-depth interviews.
Read more: https://buff.ly/4i4v90A
New preprint out! 🎉 We explore how first-time mothers experience "aloneness"—a mix of solitude, loneliness, & caregiving demands—during early motherhood. A 🧵 on our mixed-methods study & key findings. #Motherhood #Solitude #MentalHealth
Link to paper: https://buff.ly/4hXKqAa 👇
Link to paper: https://buff.ly/4hXKqAa 👇
“I got all sorts of solitude, but that solitude wasn’t mine”: A Mixed-Methods Approach to Understanding Aloneness during Becoming A Mother
This study examines the evolving experiences of "aloneness" in first-time mothers during their transition to motherhood. Study 1 involved qualitative interviews with 22 mothers, revealing three core…
doi.org
February 14, 2025 at 11:21 AM
New preprint out! 🎉 We explore how first-time mothers experience "aloneness"—a mix of solitude, loneliness, & caregiving demands—during early motherhood. A 🧵 on our mixed-methods study & key findings. #Motherhood #Solitude #MentalHealth
Link to paper: https://buff.ly/4hXKqAa 👇
Link to paper: https://buff.ly/4hXKqAa 👇
Are we becoming more anti-social, or is solitude an adaptive response to modern stress?
Research shows people often withdraw due to stress. Focusing only on getting people to socialise ignores the bigger issue: relentless life demands & overstimulation.
Read more:
Research shows people often withdraw due to stress. Focusing only on getting people to socialise ignores the bigger issue: relentless life demands & overstimulation.
Read more:
Are We Becoming More Anti-Social?
Written by Thuy-vy NguyenRecently, The Atlantic published an article called “The Anti-Social Century,” where Derek Thompson discussed how more American people are choosing to “stay in” and live solo,…
buff.ly
February 4, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Are we becoming more anti-social, or is solitude an adaptive response to modern stress?
Research shows people often withdraw due to stress. Focusing only on getting people to socialise ignores the bigger issue: relentless life demands & overstimulation.
Read more:
Research shows people often withdraw due to stress. Focusing only on getting people to socialise ignores the bigger issue: relentless life demands & overstimulation.
Read more:
🌟 New blog post 🌟
How does social media shape adolescents' emotional and internal world in solitude? 🌐
Our blog explores whether scrolling provides connection, fosters self-exploration, or disrupts meaningful reflection. The key lies in how we use it. Read more here:
How does social media shape adolescents' emotional and internal world in solitude? 🌐
Our blog explores whether scrolling provides connection, fosters self-exploration, or disrupts meaningful reflection. The key lies in how we use it. Read more here:
Plugged In During Solitude: Adolescents' Private Use of Social Media
Written by Kritika RaoEdited by Thuy-vy NguyenThe way children and adolescents experience solitude today is vastly different from how people spent time alone before the rise of high-speed internet…
buff.ly
January 21, 2025 at 12:57 PM
🌟 New blog post 🌟
How does social media shape adolescents' emotional and internal world in solitude? 🌐
Our blog explores whether scrolling provides connection, fosters self-exploration, or disrupts meaningful reflection. The key lies in how we use it. Read more here:
How does social media shape adolescents' emotional and internal world in solitude? 🌐
Our blog explores whether scrolling provides connection, fosters self-exploration, or disrupts meaningful reflection. The key lies in how we use it. Read more here: