Story perspectives

Viewing Singlehood as Growth Raises Satisfaction, Mood

8/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Elina Moreno, a University of Toronto doctoral student, found that single adults viewing singlehood as a growth opportunity report higher life satisfaction and less fear.
Diary studies of 130 students (14-day) and 146 students (six-week) showed stronger growth belief predicted more novel activities and higher well-being.
In an experiment with 324 single adults (average age 38), writing about novel activities modestly raised positive mood (d = 0.26) without changing growth belief.

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Story summary

Elina Moreno, a University of Toronto doctoral student, found that single adults viewing singlehood as a growth opportunity report higher life satisfaction and less fear.
Diary studies of 130 students (14-day) and 146 students (six-week) showed stronger growth belief predicted more novel activities and higher well-being.
In an experiment with 324 single adults (average age 38), writing about novel activities modestly raised positive mood (d = 0.26) without changing growth belief.