University research suggests singleness can foster personal growth

Research led by Elina Moreno from the University of Toronto and Yuthika Girme from Simon Fraser University suggests that being single can serve as a significant period for personal development rather than just a state of lack. Utilizing the self-expansion theory—which typically examines how romantic partners provide new perspectives and identities—the study investigated whether single individuals could achieve similar growth.

The findings indicate that individuals who perceive singleness as an opportunity for growth are more likely to engage in diverse activities, such as learning new skills, participating in team sports, or social dining. Such individuals reported higher levels of autonomy, personal competence, connection to others, and overall happiness.

Notably, 82% of single participants sought non-romantic connections, such as friends or family, to facilitate identity expansion. This research arrives amid shifting social demographics; according to Pew Research Center data, the percentage of married adults aged 25–54 in the United States fell from 67% in 1990 to 53% in 2019, marking a rise in singlehood among both men and women.