Single people are likely to have richer social lives and experience more psychological growth and development than married people, a psychologist challenges old beliefs after surveying studies conducted over 30 years. These are just the perks of singledom which are often ignored.
Bella DePaulo, PhD, a scientist at the University of California, Santa Barbara; while presenting her findings at the American Psychological Association’s 124th Annual Convention, said:
The preoccupation with the perils of loneliness can obscure the profound benefits of solitude. It is time for a more accurate portrayal of single people and single life — one that recognizes the real strengths and resilience of people who are single, and what makes their lives so meaningful.
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Despite the advantages that society grants to married people, the psychologist cited research from the 814 studies, that show how single people value meaningful work more than the married ones, and another proving how single people are more connected to parents, siblings, friends, neighbors and coworkers.
When people marry, they become more insular, Dr DePaulo said.
She also cited a study which showed single people have a heightened sense of self-determination; one of the factors that contribute towards continued growth and development. Another study found self-sufficiency among single people. The more self-sufficient they were, the more likely they were to experience positive emotion.
Dr DePaulo however acknowledges that no status is better than the other:
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There is no one blueprint for the good life.
What matters is not what everyone else is doing or what other people think we should be doing, but whether we can find the places, the spaces and the people that fit who we really are and allow us to live our best lives.
Reference:
Bella DePaulo, PhD. What No One Ever Told You about People Who Are Single.
Presented at American Psychological Association’s 124th Annual Convention.