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Riding Solo: The Associations Between Singlehood Self-Expansion Potential, Self-Expansion Experiences, and Singlehood
Elina Moreno1, Yuthika U Girme2, Anastasiia Burik2
1University of California, Davis, USA.
Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin
|August 6, 2026
Summary
Singlehood offers opportunities for self-expansion and well-being. Higher singlehood self-expansion potential (SSEP) correlates with greater personal growth, satisfaction, and psychological needs fulfillment, while reducing fear of being single.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Personal Growth
Background:
- Being single presents unique opportunities for personal development and enhanced well-being.
- Self-expansion theory posits that individuals are motivated to grow and expand their sense of self.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the concept of singlehood self-expansion potential (SSEP) and its relationship with well-being.
- To identify the types of activities contributing to self-expansion during singlehood.
Main Methods:
- Three pre-registered studies were conducted, including two diary studies and one experimental study.
- Data were collected on SSEP, self-expanding experiences, singlehood satisfaction, psychological needs, life satisfaction, and fear of being single.
Main Results:
- Greater SSEP was associated with increased self-expansion, satisfaction, psychological need fulfillment, and life satisfaction, and decreased fear of being single.
- Self-expansion during singlehood primarily occurs through activities with non-romantic close others.
- Imagining novel activities in singlehood led to increased self-expansion experiences and positive mood, though not necessarily higher SSEP.
Conclusions:
- Singlehood is a valuable period for self-expansion and personal growth.
- The potential for self-expansion in singlehood is linked to psychological well-being and satisfaction.
- Interventions focusing on novel activities can enhance self-expansion experiences for single individuals.
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