Experiencing Loneliness as a Positive State

Many studies in domestic and foreign science have been devoted to the phenomena of loneliness and solitude, but the COVID-19 pandemic, which involved social isolation, posed new questions for scientists in this area. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of the experience of loneliness as a positive state in the context of self-isolation. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used. A series of questionnaires measuring different levels of loneliness and solitude, levels of subjective well-being and happiness were completed, and a semi-structured interview was conducted. It is expected that the data collected during the interview process will not only reveal the main features and characteristics of the experience of solitude and seclusion, but it will also be possible to explore the dynamics of the experience and to identify new components of the experience associated with quarantine and self-isolation conditions. The research findings can contribute to describing the characteristics of individual experiences in the COVID-19 era. Additionally, they might be applied in psychological counseling dealing with problems of loneliness.