Final answer:
The statement promotes the importance of knowing how to be alone and suggests that self-reliance and developing one's identity independently can lead to healthier relationships. Recognition of solitude's value is nuanced and contrasts with the societal perception of solitude as potentially negative.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement “I think it's very healthy to spend time alone. You need to know how to be alone and not be defined by another person” encourages the idea that it is important for one's personal development to be comfortable with solitude. This perspective emphasizes the value of self-reliance and the ability to enjoy one's own company without the need for constant companionship. The idea is that before one can form healthy relationships with others, one must develop a strong sense of self.
Psychosocial development theories, like those proposed by Erik Erikson, suggest that adults go through stages of intimacy versus isolation. According to Erikson, individuals develop a self-identity in adolescence, which paves the way for forming intimate relationships in adulthood. However, true intimacy requires a securely developed self-concept; without it, a person may struggle with loneliness and emotional isolation.
Moreover, contemporary views on solitude can be contradictory. Some might see spending time alone as a form of self-imposed isolation with negative connotations, while others treat it as an opportunity to build self-reliance and personal growth. Thus, the merits of solitude can often be subject to individual interpretation and cultural perspectives. Given this context, the correct response to the student's question is: C) It's essential to know how to be alone without depending on others.