In Solitude, I Seek a Better Me: How Solitude Affects Tourists’ Eudaimonic, Hedonic, and Behavioral Outcomes

Abstract

The phenomenon of solitude-seeking tourism has gained attention in recent years due to the growing emphasis on mental and emotional health. While solitude has garnered increasing scholarly and practical interest, there has been limited attention given to how solitude shapes the eudaimonic, hedonic, and behavioral outcomes of tourists. To address the gaps, this study proposes a novel theoretical framework based on the Stimulus–Organism–Response theory and eudaimonia–hedonia literature, which examines the relationships between solitude, intrapersonal authenticity, self-development, subjective well-being, and behavioral intention. Through the analysis of 320 valid responses using partial least squares–structural equation modeling, this study indicates that the physical & personal freedom and intellectual & spiritual elements dimensions in solitude positively contribute to intrapersonal authenticity and self-development. Intrapersonal authenticity and self-development, in turn, lead to subjective well-being, which ultimately has a positive influence on behavioral intention. The implications of these findings for academics, destination practitioners, and policymakers are discussed.