Challenges and well-being of single women living in Malaysia

Abstract

Despite the evidence of an increasing number of unmarried women in Malaysia, this groupremains an understudied group. Thusthe present study examinedthe life of single women in Malaysia.The aims of this studywereto explore(1) single women’s experience of challenges,and (2) the factors that can increase their well-being. Using a purposive sampling and snowball method, 12single women between the ages of 31 to 49 years old, who hadnever married, living in Malaysia,participated in this study. A qualitativestudy was designed; in-depth interviewswere carried out to elicit information from the participantsand the data was analyzed using asystematic process. Results from this study showedthat the participants viewed their challenges as attributed to,(1) judgmental attitudes of other peopletowards singles; (2) own strugglewith self-acceptance; (3) being stereotypedand treated unfairly; (4) feelings of insecurityand displacements; and (5) experience ofnegative emotions. In addition, the findings also indicated that the factors that can increase wellbeing included,(1) defining and creating meaning to self; (2) coping skills; (3) religious strengths; (4) strong internal attributes; (5) positive self-talks; (6) social and emotional support;(7) healthy and active lifestyle;and (8) being hopeful forthe future.These findings suggestthat while faced with myriad of challenges, single women thrive by drawing on the strength from their own internal attributes as well as their external environment. More studies should be undertaken to understand the experiences of single women in the society.This study raises a number of opportunities for future research including society’s perceptions of single women and the impacts when more individuals are opting to stay single