New research finds that singlehood can be a valuable opportunity for personal growth

Research indicates that being single can be a valuable opportunity for personal growth, according to a new study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. The theory of self-expansion posits that relationships with others can influence one's sense of self, but this study reveals that solitary individuals can also experience growth.

Lead author Elina Moreno, a graduate student at the University of Toronto, conducted the research alongside Dr. Yuthika Girme at Simon Fraser University. The study asked single individuals to report their belief in the potential for self-expansion and monitored their behavior over time. Those who believed that being single provided a chance to expand themselves were more likely to engage in novel activities, such as learning new skills, playing team sports, or dining out with friends.

The researchers found that 82% of single people utilized non-romantic close relationships to engage in self-expanding experiences, while 18% reported doing so in solitude. The study suggests that perception plays a crucial role in how single people perceive their lives. More importantly, the findings stress that being single doesn't necessarily limit personal development; rather, it offers another avenue for self-expansion.