Validating the fear of being single scale for individuals in relationships

Abstract

The Fear of Being Single (FOBS) Scale (Spielmann et al., 2013) assesses insecurity about singlehood, but its items are phrased for those who are currently single. The present research validated the FOBS in Relationships Scale for individuals currently in relationships. Results suggested that both single and partnered individuals experience FOBS, and that the FOBS Scale and FOBS in Relationships Scale are appropriate measures for single and partnered individuals, respectively. We advise against using the original FOBS Scale for those in relationships, and recommend an abridged scale for researchers who wish to make direct comparisons of FOBS between single and partnered individuals.

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

“…Study 2's sample was mostly women. Although findings are mixed about whether FOBS varies by gender (Adamczyk, 2018;Cantarella et al, 2023;Timmermans et al, 2019), Study 2 may over-represent how women navigated dating decisions during COVID.…”

“…Study 2's sample was mostly women. Although findings are mixed about whether FOBS varies by gender (Adamczyk, 2018; Cantarella et al., 2023; Spielmann et al., 2020; Timmermans et al., 2019), Study 2 may over‐represent how women navigated dating decisions during COVID. Furthermore, Studies 2 and 3 had many participants reporting no prior relationship experience.…”