# Changes of Solitude Behaviors among College Students: A Latent Transition Analysis

## TL;DR

The study explores how different types of solitude behaviors change over time among college students and identifies factors influencing these changes.

## Contribution

The study introduces a new understanding of solitude behavior dynamics using latent transition analysis in a longitudinal college student sample.

## Key findings

- Three distinct solitude behavior classes were identified: low, moderate, and high solitude.
- Social avoidance and loneliness influence transitions between high and moderate solitude.
- Females and first-year students show higher transition probabilities compared to others.

## Abstract

Solitude behaviors encompass four types: positive solitude, eccentricity, social avoidance, and loneliness. These four types of solitude behaviors are not entirely independent but can co-occur within individuals. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore latent classes of solitude behaviors, their developmental patterns, and relevant influencing factors among college students. The Solitude Behavior Scale—Short Version was administered to a sample of college students. A total of 417 Chinese students completed a three-time longitudinal paper questionnaire. The data analysis was performed using Mplus 8.0 and SPSS 26.0. Harman’s single-factor test, latent class analysis (LCA), and latent transition analysis (LTA) were employed for subsequent analysis. The results revealed three classes: low solitude, moderate solitude, and high solitude, which exhibited temporal changes. Social avoidance and loneliness could facilitate transitions between high solitude and moderate solitude. Females and first-grade students exhibited higher transition probabilities than males and students not in the first grade. The incidence of moderate solitude in the not-first-grade group was significantly higher than that in the first-grade group. Finally, this study offers new insights into the dynamics of solitude behaviors and their association with gender and age.