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Pepping CA, Belmont N, Cronin TJ. Romantic relationships buffer minority stress in transgender and non-binary adults: Effects on depressive symptoms and suicidality. J Affect Disord 2024; 365:634-643. [PMID: 38901693 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.06.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgender and non-binary (TNB) individuals are at greater risk of mental health concerns relative to their cisgender peers due to experiences of minority stress. Thus, it is critically important to identify factors that may be protective and buffer the effects of minority stress. This study examined whether romantic relationship involvement and quality buffered effects of TNB minority stress on depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. METHODS A large international sample (n = 1156) of TNB adults (n = 654 partnered; n = 502 single) reported on minority stress experiences, relationship status and quality, and mental health outcomes (i.e., depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation). RESULTS The effects of victimization and rejection on depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation were attenuated among partnered individuals. However, once relationship quality was considered, the buffering effects of relationship involvement applied only to those in more satisfying relationships; the stress-buffering effects were not observed among those in distressed relationships. Of particular importance, general interpersonal satisfaction did not act as a minority stress buffer, suggesting there may be unique stress-buffering effects of being in a satisfying romantic relationship on depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. LIMITATIONS The cross-sectional nature of the current study precludes definitive conclusions regarding causation. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that romantic involvement may serve a stress-buffering role for TNB adults, but only when these relationships are satisfying. Our results have important theoretical and clinical implications, and further research is needed to investigate the utility of relationship interventions to buffer the effects of TNB minority stress on depressive symptoms and suicidality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natasha Belmont
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Australia
| | - Timothy J Cronin
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Australia
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Jager J, Rauer A, Pettit GS. A Lifecourse Perspective on Singlehood. RESEARCH IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT 2024; 21:1-5. [PMID: 39281327 PMCID: PMC11391892 DOI: 10.1080/15427609.2024.2375912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
A growing number of adults are spending more of their lifetime as single, either because they are taking longer to form unions, are re-entering singlehood after the dissolution of unions, or are avoiding union formation all together. Nevertheless, existing relationship research still generally positions singlehood as something to avoid, limiting our understanding of the rapidly evolving position of singlehood within the lifecourse as well as its implications for health and well-being. Thus, this special issue includes four articles that collectively offer theoretical and empirical inquiries of developmental and historical trends in singlehood and relationship histories, examine the antecedents and consequences of these trends, and explore how they vary based on salient sociodemographic characteristics. Overall, this special issue demonstrates that singlehood is more than just a temporary status within one's "progression" to the formation of committed relationships. It is our hope that the papers in this issue will encourage scholars to revise and expand their perspective on relationships to include singlehood alongside committed relationships as a potentially viable and healthy status as well as valid point of destination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Jager
- T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
| | - Amy Rauer
- Department of Child and Family Studies, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
| | - Gregory S Pettit
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, Auburn University
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Jager J, Staff J, Espinoza P. Age 19-30 Union Formation Trajectories across the Past 30 Years within the U.S.: Delineating Heterogeneity in Trajectories and its Historical and Sociodemographic Variation. RESEARCH IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT 2024; 21:26-49. [PMID: 39036538 PMCID: PMC11259017 DOI: 10.1080/15427609.2024.2366110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Using data from Monitoring the FutureStudy that include 31 cohorts of high school seniors (1976 to 2006) who were followed from ages 19-30, weidentified heterogeneity in union formation trajectories andits covariates (cohort, sex, race/ethnicity, and parental education). We identified nine trajectorieswith approximately 40% following a single to married sequence (with variation in the timing of the sequence), about 35% remaining single, and the remaining respondents showing considerable heterogeneity.Recent cohortswere more likely to remain single and experience more transitions, women made earlier transitions, and Blackrespondents were less likely to follow pathways entailing marriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Jager
- T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
| | - Jeremy Staff
- Department of Sociology and Criminology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Paul Espinoza
- T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
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Gonzalez Avilés T, Bühler JL, Brandt ND, Neyer FJ. Today's Adolescents Are More Satisfied With Being Single: Findings From a German Cohort-Sequential Study Among 14- to 40-Year-Olds. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2024:1461672241257139. [PMID: 38859695 DOI: 10.1177/01461672241257139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
In Western societies, singlehood has become increasingly normative over historical time. But whether singles are more satisfied nowadays remains unclear. In this preregistered cohort-sequential study, we analyzed data from 2,936 German participants (M = 21.01 years, SD = 7.60 years) from different birth cohorts. Singlehood satisfaction and life satisfaction were reported annually at two different time periods (2008-2011 and 2018-2021). This design allowed us to compare earlier-born and later-born singles during adolescence (14-20 years), emerging adulthood (24-30 years), and established adulthood (34-40 years). Results from multilevel growth-curve models indicated that adolescent singles born in 2001 to 2003 (vs. 1991-1993) were more often single and more satisfied with singlehood. No cohort-related differences emerged among emerging and established adults. Younger age and lower neuroticism predicted higher satisfaction, regardless of birth cohort. The results highlight the importance of considering both societal and individual factors to understand singles' satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tita Gonzalez Avilés
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany
- Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany
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Burns LM, Boislard MA. "I'm Better Than This": A Qualitative Analysis of the Turning Points Leading to Exiting Inceldom. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38687293 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2024.2340110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Scholars are at the beginning stages of understanding the trajectory of incels' deradicalization process. This study aimed to gain insight into the trajectories of individuals who have left or expressed a desire to leave inceldom, by focussing on the turning points that propel incels to deradicalize from the misogynistic ideology associated with inceldom. To achieve this, 28 threads related to the process of exiting inceldom were extracted from r/IncelExit, a subreddit which caters to incels seeking support and guidance in said process. A reflexive thematic analysis allowed for the identification of three distinct stages in the process of exiting inceldom: 1) pursuing dating, 2) attempting to change ideology, and 3) struggling to leave the incel ideology. Our findings show that, initially, the prospect of entering a romantic relationship was perceived as the primary means of leaving inceldom. However, after experiencing a few attempts at dating, a turning point was reached when individuals recognized the importance of changing their ideology. This stemmed from the realization that the incels' ideology had a detrimental impact on their overall well-being. Consequently, they turned to their peers on the subreddit for strategies for ideological transformation. Various courses of action were proposed, with particular emphasis on the importance of addressing fundamental needs through self-care practices. Simultaneously, participants reported a range of challenges encountered during the process of leaving inceldom. These findings underscore the requirement for interventions adapted to this clientele's needs to accompany them through their deradicalization journey. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa-May Burns
- Canada Research Chair in Developmental Sexology, Department of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal
| | - Marie-Aude Boislard
- Canada Research Chair in Developmental Sexology, Department of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal
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Dennett BE, Girme YU. Relationships on a Pedestal: The Associations Between Relationship Pedestal Beliefs, Fear of Being Single, and Life Satisfaction in Single and Coupled Individuals. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2024:1461672241239122. [PMID: 38655799 DOI: 10.1177/01461672241239122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The fear of being single can put people at risk for worse personal and relational well-being. The current research moves beyond individual-deficit models by exploring whether endorsement of relationship pedestal beliefs-the belief that people need to be in a relationship to be truly happy-is associated with greater fear of being single. Across four studies (N = 641 single individuals and 256 coupled individuals), single individuals' endorsement of relationship pedestal beliefs was associated with greater fear of being single, and greater fear of being single was associated with lower daily life satisfaction (Studies 1-4). Coupled individuals' endorsement of relationship pedestal beliefs was also associated with greater fear of being single, and greater fear of being single was associated with lower daily life and relationship satisfaction (Study 4). These findings highlight how people's endorsement of societal beliefs that place relationships on a pedestal may contribute to fears about singlehood.
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Gesselman AN, Kaufman EM, Weeks LYS, Moscovici Z, Bennett-Brown M, Adams OR, Campbell JT, Piazza M, Bhuyan L, Dubé S, Hille JJ, Garcia JR. Exploring patterns in mental health treatment and interests of single adults in the United States: a secondary data analysis. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1292603. [PMID: 38711766 PMCID: PMC11073498 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1292603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study is to examine mental health treatment utilization and interest among the large and growing demographic of single adults in the United States, who face unique societal stressors and pressures that may contribute to their heightened need for mental healthcare. Method We analyzed data from 3,453 single adults, focusing on those with possible mental health treatment needs by excluding those with positive self-assessments. We assessed prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of mental health treatment, including psychotherapy and psychiatric medication use, and interest in attending psychotherapy among participants who had never attended. Results 26% were in mental health treatment; 17% were attending psychotherapy, 16% were taking psychiatric medications, and 7% were doing both. Further, 64% had never attended psychotherapy, of which 35% expressed interest in future attendance. There were differences in current psychotherapy attendance and psychiatric medication use by gender and sexual orientation, with women and gay/lesbian individuals more likely to engage in both forms of mental health treatment. Additionally, interest in future psychotherapy among those who had never attended varied significantly by age, gender, and race. Younger individuals, women, and Black/African-American participants showed higher likelihoods of interest in psychotherapy. Conclusion Our research highlights a critical gap in mental health treatment utilization among single adults who may be experiencing a need for those services. Despite a seemingly higher likelihood of engagement in mental health treatment compared to the general population, only a minority of single adults in our sample were utilizing mental health treatment. This underutilization and the observed demographic disparities in mental health treatment underscore the need for targeted outreach, personalized treatment plans, enhanced provider training, and policy advocacy to ensure equitable access to mental healthcare for single adults across sociodemographic backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda N. Gesselman
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Ellen M. Kaufman
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Lee Y. S. Weeks
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Department of Gender Studies, College of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Zoe Moscovici
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Department of Gender Studies, College of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Margaret Bennett-Brown
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Communication Studies, College of Media and Communications, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Olivia R. Adams
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jessica T. Campbell
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Malia Piazza
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Department of Anthropology, College of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Lucy Bhuyan
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, School of Education, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Simon Dubé
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jessica J. Hille
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Justin R. Garcia
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Department of Gender Studies, College of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
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Hoan E, MacDonald G. Personality and Well-Being Across and Within Relationship Status. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2024:1461672231225571. [PMID: 38323606 DOI: 10.1177/01461672231225571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Trends of increasing singlehood call for understanding of well-being correlates across and within relationship status. While personality is a major predictor of well-being, descriptive trait profiles of singles have not been developed. In the present research (N = 1,811; 53% men; Mage = 29), single and partnered individuals completed measures of personality and well-being, including life, relationship status, and sexual satisfaction. Results revealed effects whereby single individuals were lower in extraversion and conscientiousness but higher in neuroticism. Additional facet analyses showed that singles were lower across all extraversion facets, but specifically lower in productiveness (conscientiousness facet) and higher in depression (neuroticism facet). Largely, personality was associated with well-being similarly for single and partnered people. Furthermore, relationship status accounted for variance in well-being above and beyond personality traits. Our results suggest individual differences in personality could play an important role in understanding well-being's link with relationship status.
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Dupuis HE, Girme YU. "Cat Ladies" and "Mama's Boys": A Mixed-Methods Analysis of the Gendered Discrimination and Stereotypes of Single Women and Single Men. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2024; 50:314-328. [PMID: 37876182 PMCID: PMC10860362 DOI: 10.1177/01461672231203123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Do single women and single men differ in their experiences of "singlism"? This mixed-methods research examined whether single women and single men report quantitative differences in amounts of singlehood-based discrimination and explored qualitative reports of stereotypic traits associated with single women and single men. We recruited Canadian and American single adults across two Prolific studies (total N = 286). The results demonstrated that single female and male participants did not differ in their personal discrimination, but female participants perceived single women to experience more discrimination than single men. Furthermore, qualitative analyses revealed four overlapping "archetypes" of single women and men including: Professional ("independent," "hard-working"), Carefree ("free," "fun"), Heartless ("selfish," "promiscuous"), and Loner ("lonely," "antisocial"). Overall, single women and men may experience similar stereotypes and discrimination, but there are also important nuances that highlight the need for more research at the intersection of gender and singlehood.
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Farrell AK, Stimpel AL, Stanton SCE, Slatcher RB. Relationship quality and physical health: Responsiveness as an active ingredient predicting health across the lifespan. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 52:101628. [PMID: 37413936 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of research has established responsiveness as a robust predictor of physical health. Here, we evaluate the extent to which this work establishes partner responsiveness as an active ingredient- a specific component within the broader construct of relationship quality that accounts for a demonstrated association between relationship quality and health. We review work demonstrating that responsiveness predicts a wide range of physical health outcomes, above and beyond other facets of relationship quality, and that it moderates the effects of other protective processes and risk factors. Finally, we discuss how new methodological and interdisciplinary approaches can provide generalizable, causal, and mechanistic evidence to further validate responsiveness as an active ingredient linking relationships and health.
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Mrozowicz-Wrońska M, Janowicz K, Soroko E, Adamczyk K. Let's Talk About Single Men: A Qualitative Investigation of Never Married Men's Experiences of Singlehood. SEX ROLES 2023:1-17. [PMID: 37360901 PMCID: PMC10192784 DOI: 10.1007/s11199-023-01380-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Existing research on singlehood has largely focused on the experiences of single women, and little is known about singlehood among men. The current investigation examined the experience of long-term singlehood through individual, semi-structured interviews with 22 never-married single men living in Poland who were aged 22-43 years. Thematic analysis revealed five key themes: (1) the sense of being deficient-is there something wrong with me?; (2) navigating outside the dominant discourse of traditional masculinity, marriage and family; (3) the benefits and downsides of singlehood; (4) adaptation to singlehood; and (5) the dilemma between waiting and actively searching for a romantic partner. An analysis of single men's narratives revealed that men experience their single status in the context of their various needs and hopes and as a status that determines their adult life course. This study contributes to the singlehood literature, highlighting the complexity of singlehood for men and the importance of traditional masculinity norms in experiencing long-term singlehood. These findings challenge stereotypical and unrealistic views of singlehood among men and have practical implications for psychotherapists, counsellors and educators working with single men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Mrozowicz-Wrońska
- Faculty of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. A. Szamarzewskiego 89/AB, Poznań, 60-568 Poland
| | - Kamil Janowicz
- Center for Research on Personality Development, SWPS University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Emilia Soroko
- Faculty of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. A. Szamarzewskiego 89/AB, Poznań, 60-568 Poland
| | - Katarzyna Adamczyk
- Faculty of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. A. Szamarzewskiego 89/AB, Poznań, 60-568 Poland
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