Single by Choice? Assessing and Understanding Voluntary Singlehood Among Mature Gay Men

Abstract

This study investigated what it means for mature gay men to be voluntary single from the perspective of both assessment and subjective experience. A convenience sample of 94 self-identified single gay men from a large midwestern city, ages 35 and over, completed a structured questionnaire that included the 15-item Adaptation to Single Status Measure. Twenty of these men also participated in semi-structured life-history interviews. Descriptive, item, and scale analyses indicated a discrepancy between the perception of oneself as "single by choice" and acceptance of and satisfaction with single status. Qualitative data indicated that voluntary singlehood is neither a salient identity nor an expression of primary control; rather, it is an idiosyncratic "narrative strategy" and a form of secondary control that preserves ego integrity. These findings are discussed with respect to their implications for the creation and maintenance of healthy, happy, single lifestyles and communities.

Voluntary and Involuntary Singlehood and Young Adults’ Mental Health: an Investigation of Mediating Role of Romantic Loneliness

“…This different perception of one’s own singlehood may reflect more general concepts of autonomy and self-determination (e.g., Deci and Ryan 2008 ). Moreover, control over self and over the environment is related to a wide spectrum of positive outcomes in various life domains, for example satisfaction, physical and psychological well-being (Hostetler 2009 ). In addition, prior studies, however concerning involuntary celibacy, showed that involuntary celibacy was associated with feelings of sexual frustration, depression, rejection, problems with concentration or work, and low self-esteem (Donnelly and Burgess 2008 ).…”

To date or not to date, that is the question: older single gay men's concerns about dating

“…That is, "moments of ambivalence" prevailed in singles' stories (Budgeon, 2008, p. 317). Whether a single older gay men is "single by choice" is thus difficult to define (Hostetler, 2009).…”

“…A review of data from surveys conducted between the 1970s and 1990s identified that at any given time approximately 45À80 per cent of lesbians were in committed relationships. In a corresponding sample of gay men, only 40À60 per cent were reported to be in similar relationships (Hostetler, 2009). These rates did not appear to vary much by age (Hostetler, 2009, p. 500).…”

Miesten parisuhteettomuuden yhteys hyvinvointiin

“…Tässä tutkimuksessa tutkimuksen kohteeksi on rajattu vain miehet, koska viimeaikaisissa parisuhteettomien tutkimuksessa (1-5) on usein tutkittu ensisijaisesti naisia. Miehiin kohdistuvaa parisuhteettomien tutkimusta on huomattavasti vähemmän ja se kohdistuu usein yksinomaan SOSIAALILÄÄKETIETEELLINEN AIKAKAUSLEHTI 2018: 55: 22-34 A r t i k k e l i homo miehiin (6)(7)(8)(9). Erojen terveysvaikutuksia koskevien tutkimusten perusteella miehillä näyttäisi olevan naisia suurempi riski eron ja leskeytymisen aiheutuviin ongelmiin, kuten masennukseen ja kohonneeseen itsemurhariskiin (10)(11)(12).…”