Chapter 2: Understanding the Cognitive and Emotional Processes of Singles From the Perspective of Attachment Theory

In recent years, the prevalence of singlehood among young adults has increased significantly, with a high percentage of young adults choosing to remain unmarried or not cohabit. Young adulthood is a period marked by exploration and decision-making, often leading individuals to prioritize educational and career goals over committed relationships. Despite the growing number of singles, research has largely focused on couples, viewing singlehood as a temporary, often undesirable state. Therefore, the underlying mechanism of being single remains underexplored. This study investigated the role of attachment dimensions – avoidant and anxious – on maladaptive cognitive and emotional processes in single young adults. Data were collected via an online survey from 252 university students using measures of attachment, fear of intimacy, motivation for romantic relationships, mate value, and emotion regulation. Structural equation modeling indicated that avoidant attachment was linked to increased fear of intimacy and lower motivation for new relationships, while anxious attachment was associated with higher motivation for romantic relationships and increased expressive suppression. These findings suggest that attachment dimensions might shape the cognitive and emotional processes underlying singlehood among young adults, contributing to the understanding of singlehood.