Exploring The Factors Influencing The Experiences of Preferred Solitude Among Students Preparing For Competitive Exams

Abstract

This study examines the factors that influence the experiences of preferred solitude among Indian students preparing for competitive examinations. While this type of solitude is said to give productive experience by enhancing focus, motivation and self-regulation for some individuals, it can also lead to psychologically challenging experiences such as emotional strain, overthinking and loneliness for others influenced by various factors. However there are little studies that examine solitude in the context of competitive exam preparation among students, a population that spends prolonged, self-regulated hours in relative social isolation therefore, the present study employs a qualitative approach which explored students’ lived experiences using phenomenological semi-structured interviews of eight competitive exam aspirants (aged 18–30) who scored high on the Preference for Solitude Scale (Burger, 1995) The interview was based on various concepts such as motivation for solitude, personal factors, coping, emotional affects and overall experiences. The data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) six-phase thematic analysis, from which five global themes emerged: Motivation (self-determined and non-self-determined) for solitude, Strengths (resilience, optimism and hope), Self-Concept (confidence and self-efficacy), Support (the role of family and peers) and Psychological Experiences (positive affect, negative affect, loneliness and mental health outcomes). Findings show that the self-determined reason for choosing solitude has positive psychological experiences but when solitude come from external pressure, awkwardness, etc, then it led to the feelings of loneliness and other negative experiences but the students’ strengths and the social support they have helped them cope with these negative states.