The article presents a study of the
representations of adults about loneliness, their
attitude to loneliness and the characteristics of its
experiencing in connection with gender and age.
Sample: 208 people aged 25 to 60 years (average
age - 44.77 years (SD = 8.52), 92 men and 116
women). The results analysis showed that
majority of adults considered loneliness as a
multidimensional construct, describing it not only
as an exclusively negative phenomenon, but
giving it a predominantly positive or neutral
characteristic. In a state of loneliness adults of
both groups were often inclined to reflect on the
future, plan, dream, analyze events happening in
their lives, look for solutions to difficult
situations, think about relatives and friends, take a
break from communication and fuss. However, it
is worth noting that thoughts related to plans for
the future and setting goals occurred more often
in adults during middle adulthood, which is
probably due to the peculiarities of the age
period.
For the respondents of both groups, loneliness
was mainly associated with the experience of
positive or neutral emotions: calm, peace,
satisfaction, comfort, joy, etc. Women showed a
more positive attitude to loneliness, more often
experienced positive emotions in connection with
it and saw the resourcefulness of this state.