Single individuals may find their status a prime opportunity for personal development, according to a new study. The research indicates that viewing singlehood as a chance for growth, rather than a disadvantage, correlates with a greater likelihood of pursuing new hobbies, traveling, acquiring new skills, and strengthening social connections.
Participants who adopted this perspective reported higher overall happiness, a stronger sense of independence, and deeper connections with their existing social networks. They also expressed less fear of remaining single and greater satisfaction with their current relationship status. The study, published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, highlights that singlehood is a significant period for personal development, affecting a substantial portion of the adult population.
"This research provides novel evidence that singlehood is an important context in which people can expand their sense of self," the researchers wrote. Elina Moreno, the study's lead author from the University of Toronto, explained that actively seeking new experiences can improve both one's perception of being single and their general life satisfaction.
The study surveyed over 600 single individuals. It found that 82% rely on friends and family to broaden their horizons, while nearly one in five embrace new experiences independently, suggesting that solo adventures also contribute to personal growth. Moreno noted that while some single people desire romantic relationships, others intentionally remain single to focus on personal or professional objectives.
The findings do not assert that single life is superior to being in a couple, but rather emphasize that singlehood can be a valuable period for self-improvement. "If people want to maintain their singlehood, self-expanding experiences could be beneficial for bolstering their well-being over time and providing them with opportunities to get to know themselves," Moreno said. "Alternatively, if a single person is seeking a romantic relationship, they could still make the most of their singlehood and experience personal growth along the way."
The researchers propose that the key to well-being while single lies in viewing it as an opportunity for growth rather than a state of waiting for a relationship. They concluded that singlehood serves as a meaningful outlet for individuals to expand their sense of self and their understanding of the world. Fostering positive beliefs about the growth potential of singlehood could be a key area for future research aimed at supporting the growing number of single adults.
Separately, research published last year in Social Psychological and Personality Science indicated that single women generally report higher overall well-being compared to single men, a finding that contrasts with common stereotypes about women being unhappier when single.