The relationship between level of loneliness and level of preference for solitude among university students

Despite the negative consequences of loneliness, it is stated in the literature that the results of the preference for solitude are positive. These two concepts were taken into consideration and their relationship was examined. In this study, it was aimed to examine the relationship between loneliness and preference for solitude among university students and whether the levels of these two variables changed according to gender, age, grade level and sheltering. The study was carried out with a total of 428 students (157 male, 271 female) studying at Çukurova University. UCLA Loneliness Scale, Preference for Solitude Scale and Personal Information Form were used as data collection tools. According to the results of the study, it was found that there was a significant relationship (r = 0,325) between loneliness and preference for solitude. According to the results of regression analysis, loneliness explains 10 % of change in the level of preference for solitude. The level of loneliness differs depending on age and the level of loneliness decreases with age. The preference for solitude did not differ according to age and the level of loneliness and preference for solitude did not differ according to gender, grade level and sheltering. As a result, the level of loneliness increases as the level of preference for solitude is increased.