THRIVING IN SINGLEHOOD: COMPARING THE SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE

Abstract

This study aims to measure the level of subjective well-being (SWB) among emerging adults who are single and examine if there is any difference relating to gender. A total of 199 emerging adults participated in an online survey that assessed subjective well-being (using Satisfaction with Life Scale and Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule). The current study reveals a prevalent high level of life satisfaction among the majority of emerging adults in this study (76.88%), and a relatively balanced distribution on positive affect (52.26%) and negative affect (54.77%). Results of a t-test revealed that males scored higher than females on positive affect dimension. However, no significant difference was found between male and female in term of life satisfaction and negative affect dimensions in SWB. These findings provide a deeper insight into the SWB of emerging adults who are single by looking at SWB across the three dimensions. Gender-related source of stress may extend into emerging adulthood for females, thus explaining the lower positive affect compared to males. Despite the emphasis on romantic engagement in the Emerging Adulthood Theory, the study highlights that emerging adults who are single can still thrive. These findings have implications for societal perceptions of singlehood in Malaysia and warrant the need for future research to understand the well-being of individuals within the context of emerging adulthood in the country.