Date of Award
5-11-2025
Date Published
June 2025
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Psychology
Advisor(s)
Laura Machia
Keywords
dating behaviors;need fulfillment;singlehood satisfaction;well-being
Subject Categories
Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences | Social Psychology
Abstract
Interpersonal relationships are essential to individuals’ well-being as they contribute to psychological need fulfillment. Building on research on romantic relationships, I proposed that the extent to which a single person’s psychological needs are fulfilled should shape their experience of singlehood. Specifically, I predicted and found in Studies 1 and 2 that need fulfillment was positively associated with singlehood satisfaction both individually and when examined alongside expected need fulfillment and relationship desire. In Study 3, I found that need fulfillment predicted singlehood satisfaction over time only when controlling for relationship desire. I also examined the relationship between expected need fulfillment and singlehood satisfaction, but these results were less consistent. Across all three studies, I found that need fulfillment and expected need fulfillment were associated with some facets of well-being cross-sectionally (Studies 1 and 2) and over time (Study 3). In Study 3, I also tested whether need fulfillment and expected need fulfillment predicted remaining single and dating intention behaviors over time. Contradicting my hypothesis, there was no association between need fulfillment and expected need fulfillment and remaining single. Surprisingly, I found that need fulfillment was associated with an increase in dating behaviors over time. This work advances the need fulfillment literature, demonstrating that need fulfillment plays a role in shaping singlehood satisfaction, well-being, and dating behaviors. Consistent with research on romantic relationships, the extent to which a person’s psychological needs are fulfilled influences their satisfaction.
Access
Open Access
Recommended Citation
Beauparlant, Emily, "Satisfying Singlehood: The Role of Need Fulfillment in Shaping Singlehood Satisfaction and Well-Being" (2025). Dissertations - ALL. 2093.
https://surface.syr.edu/etd/2093
