The findings are based on the theory of self-expansion, a psychological framework describing how people broaden their sense of who they are by acquiring new perspectives, skills, roles, and experiences. Researchers have traditionally examined self-expansion in romantic relationships, where partners may introduce each other to new interests, social networks, and ways of thinking. The new study extends that framework to singlehood, suggesting that self-expansion may occur through friendships, family connections, group activities, and even deliberate time spent alone.

“Many single people maintain their singlehood because it makes them feel like they have the autonomy and freedom to focus on personal goals, like hobbies, their career, and travel,” says lead author Elina Moreno, a graduate student at the University of Toronto who conducted the research at Simon Fraser University with Dr. Yuthika Girme. “We wondered whether single people who believe that they are able to gain new experiences because of their singlehood status benefit from this mentality.”

To investigate the question, the researchers asked single participants to assess their perceived potential for self-expansion while living without a romantic partner. This measure captured whether participants viewed singlehood as a period in which they could explore new activities, encounter unfamiliar ideas, and develop aspects of themselves that might otherwise remain unexplored. The researchers then monitored participants’ behavior and psychological outcomes over time, looking for links between their beliefs, their activities, and their overall adjustment.

Participants who believed singlehood offered opportunities for self-expansion were more likely to engage in novel experiences. These included learning new skills, participating in team sports, and dining out with friends. Such activities may promote self-expansion because they expose people to unfamiliar environments and social interactions, requiring them to adapt, make decisions, and incorporate new information into their existing self-concept. In psychological terms, novelty can expand the boundaries of identity by adding new competencies and social roles to the way a person understands themselves.

The same participants also reported less fear of being single and greater satisfaction with their singlehood. They experienced stronger feelings of autonomy, or control over their own choices; competence, or confidence in their ability to manage challenges; and connection to other people. These three experiences are central to psychological theories of well-being because they reflect whether individuals feel self-directed, capable, and socially embedded. The participants also reported greater happiness overall, suggesting that the benefits associated with a growth-oriented view of singlehood may extend beyond relationship satisfaction.

The researchers found that non-romantic close relationships played a major role in these experiences. As many as 82 percent of single participants used relationships with friends or family members as a context for self-expanding activities. A shared trip, a new class, a team sport, or an unfamiliar restaurant can become more psychologically meaningful when experienced with people who encourage exploration. These interactions may provide both the novelty required for personal growth and the emotional security that makes experimentation easier.

At the same time, 18 percent of participants reported engaging in self-expanding activities alone. Solitary experiences can also challenge familiar routines and promote identity development, whether through travel, creative work, independent learning, or simply making choices without having to coordinate with a partner. The distinction is important because it suggests that self-expansion does not depend on romantic intimacy. Growth can emerge through social connection, independent action, or a combination of the two.

The results are especially relevant as an increasing share of adults in the United States live without a spouse or romantic partner. Some single people hope to enter a relationship, while others intentionally remain single to prioritize professional ambitions, personal interests, travel, caregiving, or independence. The study does not argue that singlehood is inherently better than romantic partnership, nor does it establish that optimistic beliefs directly cause greater happiness. Because the research used survey methods and observed associations, it remains possible that people who are already happier are more likely to view singlehood positively and pursue new experiences.

Future research will need to determine how these processes unfold over time. Researchers could test whether encouraging single people to identify meaningful opportunities for exploration leads to measurable changes in behavior and well-being, or whether the relationship mainly reflects pre-existing personality differences. Even with those questions unresolved, the findings challenge the assumption that self-expansion is primarily a benefit of romantic love. For people who are single by choice or circumstance, trying unfamiliar activities, strengthening friendships, and exploring solitude may offer practical routes to a broader sense of self—and a more satisfying life while riding solo.

Subject of Research: People

Article Title: Riding Solo: The Associations Between Singlehood Self-Expansion Potential, Self-Expansion Experiences, and Singlehood Outcomes

News Publication Date: 6-Aug-2026

Web References: https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2021/10/05/rising-share-of-u-s-adults-are-living-without-a-spouse-or-partner/

References: Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. DOI: 10.1177/01461672261462978

Keywords: singlehood, self-expansion, psychology, well-being, personal growth, relationships, happiness, autonomy, social connection, behavioral science

The study, led by Komlenac, Mair, and Walther, confronts the pervasive stereotype that single individuals are somehow less fulfilled or inherently dissatisfied compared to their partnered counterparts. Through rigorous experimental designs, the researchers isolated the variable of relationship status to determine its direct influence on how participants rated a fictional person’s overall life satisfaction. Intriguingly, these judgements occurred despite an absence of any other contextual information, highlighting the potent role of relationship labels as cognitive shortcuts in social perception.

At the core of this investigation lies a critical question: To what extent do societal scripts and ingrained biases color our interpretations of others’ emotional and psychological states? The authors contend that this simplistic dichotomy—paired equals happy, single equals unhappy—is not only reductive but also perpetuates stigmatization and misunderstanding. By systematically demonstrating that participants overwhelmingly rated single individuals’ life satisfaction lower than that of those described as being in relationships, the findings make a strong case for reevaluating such assumptions in both everyday social interactions and mental health discourse.

The psychological mechanisms fueling these judgments appear to be linked with widespread cultural narratives that associate romantic coupling with social success and personal happiness. This conceptual framework is deeply entrenched in many societies, where coupledom often symbolizes stability, emotional fulfillment, and societal approval. The researchers suggest that these narratives are internalized early in life, shaping how people unconsciously infer others’ well-being; a phenomenon that may be rooted in evolutionary psychology’s emphasis on pair bonding for survival and social cohesion.

Methodologically, the experiment utilized a controlled vignette-based survey approach, presenting participants with descriptions of fictional individuals that varied only in relational status. Participants were then prompted to evaluate these individuals’ presumed life satisfaction. The uniformity of variables other than relationship status ensured that any bias detected could be confidently attributed to this single factor. Statistical analyses confirmed significant disparities, reconfirming that relationship status alone wields a disproportionate impact on subjective appraisals of happiness and life quality.

The implications of these results extend beyond academic interest, resonating with broader societal challenges related to mental health stigma and social inclusiveness. When single individuals are habitually viewed through a negative lens, it can affect not only external judgments but also personal self-conceptions and behaviors. The internalization of such biases might contribute to feelings of inadequacy or social alienation among those who are unmarried or choose to remain single, thereby reinforcing cycles of negative self-evaluation and social marginalization.

Further, the study’s insights underscore the importance of nuanced representations of singlehood in media and public discourse. Often depicted as a transitional or undesirable state, singleness is rarely portrayed as a valid and fulfilling lifestyle choice. This research fundamentally challenges such portrayals by positing that happiness and life satisfaction are multifaceted constructs, influenced by myriad factors unrelated to relationship status. By disentangling these associations, the study advocates for a more inclusive understanding of well-being that transcends romantic involvement.

On a cognitive level, the findings resonate with theories of social stereotyping and heuristic processing. Humans rely on simplified mental shortcuts to make rapid judgments, especially when information is limited. The relationship status of an individual serves as a salient cue, triggering automatic inferences shaped by cultural stereotypes. This research illuminates how such heuristics can lead to systematic errors in empathy and accuracy, with broad implications for social dynamics and interpersonal understanding.

Moreover, the researchers explore the potential moderating effects of participants’ own relationship status and personal experiences on their judgment biases. Preliminary analyses suggest that individuals currently in relationships may exhibit stronger negative biases toward singles, possibly as a reflection of in-group favoritism or projection of their own values. This dimension prompts intriguing questions about how personal context influences cognitive processes involved in social evaluation.

The broader psychological community is poised to grapple with these findings as they intersect pressing conversations about loneliness, social connection, and mental health in contemporary society. With rising numbers of single adults globally, understanding the nuances of how singlehood is perceived and experienced is not simply an academic pursuit but a social imperative. This study provides a critical empirical foundation for policies and interventions aimed at fostering greater acceptance and reducing stigma.

Importantly, the methodological rigor of the study offers a replicable framework for future research investigating other labels and stereotypes that shape social cognition. By isolating single factors in artificially constructed scenarios, researchers can systematically dismantle the components of prejudice and misconception, paving the way for more sophisticated models of social judgment.

The findings also have practical implications for clinicians and mental health professionals who work with single clients. Recognizing the external pressures and internalized biases these clients may face can inform more empathetic and tailored therapeutic strategies. This is particularly relevant given the documented correlation between perceived social stigma and adverse psychological outcomes, including depression and anxiety.

From a sociological perspective, the study invites reflection on how societal institutions—ranging from education systems to media production—can contribute to the perpetuation or dismantling of negative stereotypes about singles. It suggests that cultural shifts, perhaps facilitated by intentional storytelling and inclusive policies, are necessary to broaden the collective imagination around what constitutes a good life.

In conclusion, Komlenac, Mair, and Walther’s research offers a vital corrective to simplistic assumptions that equate being single with lacking happiness or life satisfaction. Through a careful blend of psychological theory, empirical evidence, and cultural critique, the study lays bare the cognitive and social biases at work in everyday perception. It challenges readers, researchers, and society at large to reconsider the narratives that shape our views of singleness, advocating for a more nuanced and humane understanding of life satisfaction that honors diverse experiences.

This research not only enriches psychological literature but also has the potential to go viral by touching on universally resonant themes: identity, societal norms, and the quest for personal fulfillment. Its insights encourage a broader dialogue grounded in empathy and evidence, ultimately redefining how well-being is understood in the modern world.

Subject of Research: The influence of perceived relationship status on participant judgments of another individual’s life satisfaction, focusing on biases against being single.

Article Title: Perceiving being single as inherently negative: when participant ratings of another person’s life satisfaction rely solely on that person’s relationship status.

Article References:
Komlenac, N., Mair, C., Walther, A. et al. Perceiving being single as inherently negative: when participant ratings of another person’s life satisfaction rely solely on that person’s relationship status. BMC Psychol 13, 1034 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-03359-8

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