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Adult Development and Well-Being of Mid-Life Never Married Singles

Donn, Jessica E
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1123098208

Abstract Details

2005, Doctor of Philosophy, Miami University, Psychology.
This study examined the relationships between psychological and subjective well-being and adult development for heterosexual, never-married singles, ages 35-45, using the conceptual frameworks developed by Baxter-Magolda (1999), Kegan (1982) and Levinson (1978). Pathways outside the traditionally sanctioned course through marriage were considered viable alternatives and adult development was viewed as an ongoing process of moving between consolidation and reassessment of identity and life meaning. Tasks for single adult development (Lewis, 1994, 2001; Schwartzberg, Berliner & Jacob, 1995) within a society that emphasizes marriage as the gateway to adulthood were also examined. Variables traditionally associated with research on life-satisfaction were examined in relation to never-married singles. Participants included 171 self-identified heterosexual, never-married singles, ages 35-45, not currently living with a romantic partner. Participants completed questionnaire measures of SES, psychological well-being, life satisfaction and positive and negative affect. They also completed measures of singlehood developmental tasks and consolidation/evaluation of identity that were developed as part of the study. The Construction of Identity Location (COIL) measure used the IDEA (Reifman, Arnett & Colwell, 2003) as a basis and resulted in three subscales: constriction, equilibrium, and exploration. The Singlehood Development Scale (SDS) was based on Schwartzberg et al.’s and Lewis’ tasks for singles across the lifespan. The SDS contains 10 subscales: Positive Family Relations, Community, Attempts to Meet Mate, Lack of Interest in Marriage, Work, Care in Old Age, Sexual Fulfillment, Friendship, Avoid Thinking about Aging, and Child Role. Ryff’s (1989) Scales of Psychological Well-Being were revised in this study and resulted in five subscales, including accomplishment, positive relations with others, autonomy, environmental mastery, and personal growth. Regression analyses and structural equation modeling were used to examine factors that contribute to midlife singles’ subjective well-being. Social/relational ties, meaningful work and financial stability were found to play important roles in singles’ well-being. Accomplishments and freedom to make choices were also found to be important to singles. Some gender differences were found for single men and women. The complexity of singles’ well-being is discussed, and results are viewed in the context of adult development.
Karen Schilling (Advisor)
184 p.
Psychology, Clinical
Adult Development; Singlehood; Well-Being

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Donn, J. E. (2005). Adult Development and Well-Being of Mid-Life Never Married Singles [Doctoral dissertation, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1123098208

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Donn, Jessica. Adult Development and Well-Being of Mid-Life Never Married Singles. 2005. Miami University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1123098208.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Donn, Jessica. "Adult Development and Well-Being of Mid-Life Never Married Singles." Doctoral dissertation, Miami University, 2005. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1123098208

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

miami1123098208
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© 2005, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.