E-Thesis 47 views 88 downloads
Mental Health and Cognitive Distortions Across Different Types of Singlehood / MALGOZATA RAGOSKO
Swansea University Author: MALGOZATA RAGOSKO
Abstract
Whilst traditionally singlehood has been considered a risk factor for mental health, the rise of solo living has spurred interest to investigate this association closer. My research aimed to address the mixed results of previous literature by developing an evolutionary theory-informed classification...
| Published: |
Swansea
2026
|
|---|---|
| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Master of Research |
| Degree name: | MSc by Research |
| Supervisor: | Thomas, A. G., and Gray, N. |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa71955 |
| Abstract: |
Whilst traditionally singlehood has been considered a risk factor for mental health, the rise of solo living has spurred interest to investigate this association closer. My research aimed to address the mixed results of previous literature by developing an evolutionary theory-informed classification system of singlehood and exploring mechanisms behind the mental health of singles. Two independent cross-sectional studies (n = 389 and n = 290) investigated what singlehood clusters emerge based on singlehood reasons, what defines them and how they predict mental health outcomes. 3 singlehood circumstances were identified in Study 1: singlehood due to problems, singlehood by choice and singlehood for freedom. And 4 were identified in Study 2 singlehood due to insecurities, singlehood by choice, singlehood for freedom, and singlehood due to interdependency difficulties. Singlehood due to insecurities was associated with the most mental health risks, followed by singlehood by choice, while singlehood for freedom was associated with positive outcomesand singlehood due to interdependency difficulties did not significantly explain variance in singles’ mental health. Cognitive distortions were identified as a mechanism behind mental health difficulties, significantly mediating the associations between singlehood types and their corresponding mental health outcomes. Wider influences such as social support, locus of control and sexism were of less influence than anticipated yet contributed to unique sub-group effects. The nuance of emerged singlehood clusters and the role of cognitive distortion is discussed in light of the interplay of evolutionary pressures and modern social environments, offering avenues for the development of targeted support and highlighting the importance of representative research. Need for further validation in more diverse samples and the limitations of this exploratory and preliminary research is also discussed. |
|---|---|
| Keywords: |
Singlehood, Cognitive Distortions |
| College: |
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences |