singlehood Flashcards
Singlism
Western society prioritizes the committed romantic
relationship
Singlehood considered a deficit state
Singlism: prejudice and discrimination against those who are
single
Stigma against Singles
Singles are evaluated more negatively
than those in relationship
Stereotypes about singlehood are
typically inaccurate
Singles meet needs for belonging through
connections with peers and family
members
(Greitemeyer, 2009; Hertel et al., 2007)
Students and rental agents read
descriptions of applicants for rental
properties
Married couples considered better
tenants
Don’t recognize singlism as discrimination
relative to racism, sexism, homophobia,
fatphobia, ageism
Both single and coupled participants
(Morris, Sinclair, & DePaulo, 2007)
Are singles a group?
Singles self-identified as a group—and were
perceived as a group — but to a lesser extent than
other identities.
Singles perceived similar discrimination with other
identities.
Prejudice towards singles was deemed more acceptable
than prejudice towards other groups.
explained by perceptions of their responsibility for being
single
(Fisher & Sakaluk, 2019)
Fear of Being
Single
It scares me to think that there might not always be
someone out there for me.
I feel anxious when I think about being single forever
I need to find a partner before I’m too old to have and
raise children
Concern, anxiety, or distress
regarding the current or
prospective experience of
being without a romantic
partner
Considered a trait-like
difference
Can feel when in relationship,
no gender difference
(Spielmann, et al., 2014; Spilemann, 2016)
Fear of Being Single: Settle for Less
study and findings
IV 1: Fear of being single
Participants evaluated an online dating
profile:
IV 2: Responsive vs. unresponsive
Also show same pattern for attractiveness
DV: romantic interest in target
Conclusion: Romantic interest in lower
quality mates
Sample: Participants in relationships
IV 1: Fear of being single
IV 2: Relationship satisfaction
DV: Relationship dependence
Conclusion: Dependent on less satisfying
relationships
Fear of Being Single: (No need to?) Settle
for Less
Picked = at speed-dating
Seen as attractive:
at speed-dating
and in photos
Can people detect FOBS from dating profiles?
“How anxious do you think this person is about not
being in a relationship right now?”
“How satisfied with life do you think this person
would be if they never found a romantic partner?”
2 studies (experimenter-generated profiles and
real profiles)
Who is interested regardless
commitment readiness
feel that this is the ‘right time’ for me to be in a
committed relationship.
Considering all of the factors in my life right now, I am
receptive to being in a committed romantic relationship
I feel ready to be involved in a committed relationship
high commitment readiness associated w
Higher ideal levels of closeness with a dating
partner
Using romantic initiation strategies
Likelihood of entering in a relationship &
commitment
higher quality relationship & more committed
Singlehood & Social Support
Married people have ”the
One”.
Single people have “the
Ones”
Singlehood & Sex
Singles’ greater sexual satisfaction linked
with:
lower desire to get married
greater belief that people can be
happy without marriage
Singles’ sexual satisfaction associated
with life satisfaction to same extent as
people in relationships
(Park et al., 2021; Gibbons et al., in prep)
what is the singlehood debate
empowering or sad
beyonce vs bridget jones
why more ppl who r single
bc they waite longer to get married
why is singlehood considered a defiict state
lack of something
defined as what is it not
western society and single vs married celebrations
celebrate weddings and engagenment and valetnies day
all is geared towards couples
married vs single systemic
mortgage, health insurance,
