40 And Yet Single? Just Chill!

Marriage And Beyond

oi-Staff

Monday, December 14, 2009, 17:14

Over 40 and yet single? Well you are just as fine as those who are married. All adults over 40 who have never been married are just as psychologically resourceful as adults who are married.

Data from National Survey of Midlife Development, USA shows that those aged between 40 to 74 and are never married have lower levels of emotional wellbeing as compared to those who are married.

However, when it comes to psychological resources those who are not married do not seem to be at any disadvantage. This rejects the traditional myth stating that there is 'something wrong with unmarried people' who are over 40.

The category of never married adults is a neglected group in terms of empirical research on marital status and its impact on wellbeing. They are either excluded or collapsed with other non married groups such as widows and divorcees.

Psychological resources play a stronger role in emotional wellbeing for never married adults than for married adults. This suggests that never married adults may rely more heavily on their psychological resources to enhance wellbeing.