1. What is the general problem the author is addressing? (2 points)
The study by Spielmann et al. (2013) was created in order to investigate how the myth that single people suffer from their loneliness affects the feelings of the singles. This myth has existed at all times and has been particularly actual for women (Spielmann et al. 1049). As a result, many people are afraid to be alone so much that settle for less in relationships not to be alone at all. This myth was spread in the society rather quickly, so now many people see a relationship with anyone better than being single.
2. What is the author's hypothesis or argument? (2 points)
3. What were the methods used for gathering the data? (E.g. Who were the participants? What was the procedure of the study?) (2 points)
The whole study was divided into 7 studies in order to investigate different aspects of setting for less because of fear of being single. Therefore, for each study, the authors conducted a separate study. For Study A, they took 153 participants from the online forums, who were at least 18 years. Then participants were asked some open questions about fear of being single. Study 2 (A and B) was based on a factor analysis of two independent groups of participants: online community members (A) and university undergraduate students (B). After that, participants completed a battery of tests that measured such scales as fear of being single, attachment style, social goals, need to belong and so on. Study 2C involved those participants form Study 2A and 2B, who had already been in relationship for more than a month. In fact, for all the subsequent studies (from Study 3 to 7), the participants were chosen of the age of 18 or more, and then they were asked a battery of questions.
4. What are the data or evidence presented and does it support the author's argument / hypothesis? (4 points)
As it was stated before, the whole study consisted of 7 studies. Study 1 explored the people`s thoughts about being single. It was found that more than 37% of people have a fear of being single (Spielmann et al. 1052).
Study 2A and Study 2B analyzed 17 items of the fear of being single, which were mentioned in Study 1.
Study 2C showed that even in ongoing relationships people with the fear of being single show greater dependence. And the greater is the fear, the more dependent person becomes in relationships.
Study 3 provided statistical evidence that even in the ongoing unsatisfying relationships, people with fear of being single are less prone to dissolution.
In Study 4A and Study 4B even participants with a high fear of being single stated that they would not lower their high standards of an ideal partner even if they were single. That is why, in Study 6 and Study 5, the authors decided to examine whether the actual partners of the Study 4A and 4B participants correspond their high qualities. The results showed that actually the participants were dating with people with less attractive dating qualities that they declared, which can be called settling for less.
Study 7 showed that fear of being single made the success of speed-dating idea. Because of this fear, the participants of the speed-dating events become less selective and therefore have a better chance of finding a partner.
5. What conclusions are drawn based on their findings? Do you think these conclusions are valid? Why or why not? (4 points)
The fear of being single is closely connected with anxious attachment. Despite having rather high expectations from romantic relationships and the partner, such as status, personality qualities, physical attractiveness, people often settle for less. It happens because of low self-esteem and anxious attachment (Spielmann et al. 1051). Moreover, because of the listed above feelings people often feel insecure alone and therefore they consciously lower their ideal standards. The study showed that despite declaring high standards, people with fear of being single tend to choose people with less attractive dating qualities. And even if the relationship become poor, fear of being single keeps these people from the dissolution.
6. How does the information in the article relate to topics discussed in class? (2 points)
This article fits the overall class program because it affects human relationships, the impact of self-assessment on the social behavior and inner feelings, which were discussed at the class. Generally, the psychology works with the human inner feelings, which often are caused by external stimuli. Human being is a social creature that forms the vision of the world as a result of social interaction.
7. How could this research be improved, or what research could be done in the future to further address this topic? (2 points)
This study seems to be almost perfect, because it examines not only the number of people whose fear of being single makes them settle for less, but also investigated different aspects of that fear. There is one issue, which could have been also considered in this research, and it is age. Of course, it would make the whole study much more difficult to conduct. However, the ranking of age is essential because each generation has a quite different attitude towards fear of being single. It would be good to divide all the participants into three age categories, and then compare their answers.
Works Cited
Spielmann, Stephanie S., et al. "Settling for less out of fear of being single." Journal of personality and social psychology 105.6 (2013): 1049.
