Never Been In A Romantic Relationship: Singleness and Romantic Relationship Participation in Emerging Adults

Abstract Objective This multi‐method study explores singleness in emerging adults, including reasons for never being involved in romantic relationships. Background Comparative experiences provide insight into developmental processes for emerging adults with prior romantic relationship histories (PRRs) and those who have never been in a romantic relationship (NRRs). Methods We recruited a convenience sample of United States collegiate students ( N = 369) to complete a Qualtrics survey about their romantic relationship history and experiences. We used a concurrent mixed methods design with inferential statistics to examine differences between perceptions of relationships followed by qualitative approaches ( n = 37) to explore motivations for NRRs. Results NRRs reported lower relationship readiness and lower levels of dating, romantic, and sexual experiences compared to peers and their own ideals. However, NRRs were more likely to report belief in greater dating prospects in the future. These findings were further explored in qualitative responses: apprehension , social contexts , and efficacy were the primary themes developed to explain reasons for remaining single in this life stage. Conclusion Overall, lack of relationship engagement did not appear to influence a belief that singleness would be indefinite. Implications Participants did not significantly differ in fears of being single, implying singleness is a choice and one that is not necessarily related to negative outcomes.