Date of Award
9-7-2012
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Clinical Psychology
First Advisor
Cheryl Terrance
Abstract
Adults who remain single after the age society deems appropriate have faced considerable social stigma and discrimination throughout history and negative attitudes toward singles appear to persist. Research examining the experiences of single adults has been limited, focusing on the reflections of older singles, and largely heterosexual samples. To this end, the current study Will examine attitudes toward singlehood among heterosexual men and women and gay men and lesbian women within the context of participants' life role preferences for career choices and parenting. Results indicate women endorse more positive attitudes toward current singlehood, the possibility of future singlehood, and single people, in general, than men. No differences in attitudes toward singlehood as a function of sexual orientation emerged. Further, self-esteem was found to be the most consistent predictor of attitudes toward singlehood of the variables examined. Implications and avenues for future research are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Peterson, Lisa A., "Attitudes Toward Singlehood And Life Role Preferences Among Heterosexual And Gay And Lesbian Adults" (2012). Theses and Dissertations. 8144.
https://commons.und.edu/theses/8144