Work

The Associations of Singlism and Positive Appraisals of Singlehood With Singles’ Subjective Well-Being

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines how singles’ subjective well-being is associated with perceived singlism and with a positive-appraisal indicator of singlehood. Using cross-national survey data from 5,017 singles aged 30 and above in the United States ( N = 2,146), the United Kingdom ( N = 1,093), Japan ( N = 719), Mexico ( N = 491), and Spain ( N = 568), the analyses model life satisfaction and singlehood satisfaction as functions of perceived singlism and positive-appraisal indicators, accounting for sociodemographic covariates. Both focal indices showed acceptable internal consistency overall. Across the reported models, perceived singlism was generally negatively associated with well-being, especially with satisfaction with being single, whereas the positive-experience indicator was positively associated with both outcomes. Interaction models by country indicated some slope heterogeneity across the five samples. The study provides an initial cross-national mapping of these associations, and ends with a discussion of these findings and a call for causal and longitudinal designs to test these measures.

Source: Cross-Cultural Research

DOI: 10.1177/10693971261481556

Author: Elyakim Kislev

Institution: Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Language: English

Topic: Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650