Individual difference predictors of starting a new romantic relationship during the COVID-19 pandemic

Chopik, William J.; Moors, Amy C.; Litman, Daniel J.; Shuck, Megan S.; Stapleton, Alexandra R.; Abrom, Meghan C.; Stevenson, Kayla A.; Oh, Jeewon; Purol, Mariah F.

doi:10.1016/j.paid.2022.111919

Cited by 6 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 37 publications

(53 reference statements)

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“…Finally, although we focused primarily on well‐being outcomes in this paper, there are inquiries unrelated to predicting well‐being that can yield valuable insights into singlehood. What are some predictors of being (long‐term) single (Chopik et al., 2023; Pepping et al., 2018)? What are the varying constellations of life priorities for single individuals and how do they pursue them (Harris, 2023; Hill, 2020; Park & MacDonald, 2023)?…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Three methodological approaches to studying singlehood

Park,

Girme,

MacDonald

2023

Social & Personality Psych

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As the number of single (unpartnered) individuals continues to rise, researchers across various disciplines have started to pay more attention to single individuals' lives. Yet, compared to the accumulated knowledge about experiences within romantic relationships, there is far less known about various experiences within singlehood. For singlehood research to grow in both quantity and quality, it is essential that research findings are critically evaluated both in terms of robustness of the evidence and validity of the inferences. In this paper, we review three broad approaches researchers have taken to understand singlehood that centered on (a) between‐group status (i.e., single vs. in a relationship) differences, (b) within‐person status differences, and (c) within‐group variability among singles. With a focus on well‐being as an outcome, we illustrate how each approach provides unique insights into singlehood and what caveats there are in interpreting results derived from each approach. Finally, we identify questions or methods that have not been extensively explored within each approach and offer suggestions for future research directions.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Three methodological approaches to studying singlehood

Park,

Girme,

MacDonald

2023

Social & Personality Psych

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“…When comparing singles' personalities or well-being to people in relationships, previous research has mainly focused on a) people who are currently single or partnered, and b) how relationship status transitions may change people's personality. These studies suggest that people higher in extraversion and conscientiousness, but lower in neuroticism, may be more likely to be in, maintain, or enter a new relationship (Bühler et al, 2023;Chopik et al, 2023;Hoan & MacDonald, 2024;Neyer & Lenhart, 2007, but cf. Driebe et al, 2023Greitemeyer, 2009).…”

Section: Who Enters a Relationship And Who Stays Single?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Differences between lifelong singles and ever-partnered individuals in Big Five personality traits and life satisfaction

Stern,

Krämer,

Schumacher

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Being romantically partnered is widely seen as societal norm, and has been shown to be positively associated with important life outcomes, such as physical and mental health. However, the percentage of singles is steadily increasing, with more people staying single for life. We used the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (N = 77,064, ≥50 years, from 27 countries) to investigate the Big Five personality traits and life satisfaction in lifelong singles as compared to (previously) partnered individuals. Specification curve analyses suggested that lifelong singles were less extraverted, conscientious, open to experiences, and less satisfied with their lives. Effects were stronger for never partnered than for never cohabitating or never married individuals, and partly moderated by gender, age, country-level singlehood, and gender ratio. Our study provides insights into the characteristics of lifelong singles, and has implications for understanding mental health and structures of social support in older individuals.

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“…Attachment anxiety was associated with less social distancing compliance (Gruneau Brulin et al., 2022), predicted starting a new relationship during the pandemic (Chopik et al., 2022), and predicted more negative attitudes toward masking in a romantic, but not neutral, context (Peterson et al., 2023). FOBS may similarly predict stronger relational pursuit and lower social distancing, especially in romantic contexts.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Worth the risk? Fear of being single and willingness to make risky health decisions in sex and dating contexts

Spielmann,

Nehmeh,

Cantarella

2023

Social & Personality Psych

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Does fear of being single (FOBS) predict risky health behaviors when such behavior could promote pursuit of a romantic connection? Study 1 tested general tendencies toward taking health risks associated with FOBS. Study 2 tested how those with stronger FOBS navigated romantic versus non‐romantic risk behavior during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Study 3 extended the test of risky behavior beyond the pandemic to test whether FOBS was associated with willingness to engage in risky sexual behavior. Despite nonsignificant associations with taking health risks more generally, FOBS was associated with greater willingness to engage in risky behaviors in dating contexts, particularly when considering their willingness to settle for less in relationships. This research provides novel insight into dating choices associated with stronger FOBS and how willingness to settle predicts risky health behavior when it could appeal to romantic prospects.

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Individual difference predictors of starting a new romantic relationship during the COVID-19 pandemic

Cited by 6 publications

References 37 publications

Three methodological approaches to studying singlehood

Three methodological approaches to studying singlehood

Differences between lifelong singles and ever-partnered individuals in Big Five personality traits and life satisfaction

Worth the risk? Fear of being single and willingness to make risky health decisions in sex and dating contexts

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