Date of Graduation

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Psychological Science

Advisor/Mentor

Makhanova, Anastasia

Committee Member

Zabelina, Darya

Second Committee Member

Ferguson, Alishia

Third Committee Member

Bouchillon, Brandon

Abstract

When evaluating their romantic relationships, people may choose to remain in their relationships or leave their relationships for a variety of reasons. One major factor in relationship evaluation is learning about the costs (i.e. negative characteristics or attachments) a partner brings to the relationship. Although research has examined relationship costs and how they may affect relationship evaluation, little research has explored what individual differences may predispose a person to remain in a relationship where a partner may bring costs. This study examined how people’s fear of being single may be associated with their willingness to tolerate relationship “baggage” (i.e. enduring costs in relationships). The study also looked at gender differences in these factors. A sample of 242 single individuals from the University of Arkansas completed surveys assessing their fear of being single and willingness to tolerate relationship baggage. Results revealed a significant, positive association between fear of being single and willingness to tolerate relationship baggage. This indicates that individuals with higher fear of being single were more likely to tolerate relationship baggage. Additionally, men demonstrated a significantly higher willingness to tolerate relationship baggage than women. These findings suggest that fear of being single may lower individuals’ thresholds for relationship costs, potentially leading to less selective mate choices.

Keywords

fear of being single; relationship costs; gender differences; romantic relationships; mate selection; singlehood

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