11th ISC 2024 (Universitas Advent Indonesia, Indonesia)
“Research and Education Sustainability: Unlocking Opportunities in Shaping Today's
Generation Decision Making and Building Connections” October 22-23, 2024

Through the Lens of Solitude: Capturing the Realities of
Singlehood Stigma Among Women
Cutie Canesares, MA, RPsy1, Ivana Jae Bitangcol2, Kyne Castañeda3, Danielle Kate
Fontamillas4, Danielle Rich Quilas5
Adventist University of the Philippines
cbcanesares@aup.edu.ph

ABSTRACT
Singleness is a phenomenon that has gained popularity and acceptance over the past few
years, as evidenced by the growing trends in many societies. However, many single women in
the Philippines belonging to the age group of 30-35 remain stigmatized. The researchers delved
into their narratives using the Photovoice methodology to understand their experiences. Using
purposive sampling, six participants were chosen based on their age range (30–35), duration of
singleness status (at least 5 years), and period of residing time in the Philippines (since age 19
and beyond). They were grouped into three pairs according to geographic proximity. They were
instructed to select five photos that most accurately reflect their answers to the questions on
their 1) perceived and internalized stigma and 2) ways of seeking empowerment to counteract
it. After the selection of photos, thematizing was done. The themes of the perceived and
internalized stigma were: (a) Lonely and Incomplete, (b) Unpreferred and Unattractive, and (c)
Envious but Choosy. Meanwhile, three themes emerged regarding the participants' ways of
seeking empowerment in their singleness: (a) Finding Direction from God and the Church, (b)
Fostering Friendship, and (c) Recognizing Self-Worth. The researchers recommend that future
researchers conduct longitudinal studies to gauge shifts in attitudes toward singleness and
comparative analysis to examine varying levels of stigma and identify factors contributing to
their similarities and differences.
Keywords: singlehood, stigmatization, women empowerment, photovoice, phenomenon

INTRODUCTION
Marriage has held significant importance in various civilizations throughout history,
acting as a means to represent cultural values and as a vital societal mechanism for survival
(Norouzi et al., 2022). However, within our present-day society, which is marked by complex
interpersonal connections, being unmarried frequently prompts curious gazes, questioning
expressions, and an overwhelming rush of unsolicited opinions. Nevertheless, with the
progression of civilization, there is a growing trend of leaning toward being single or delaying
marriage. Currently, there exists an expanding demographic of individuals who opt to maintain
a single status, motivated by several factors like developments in technology, evolving research
findings, biasing expectations for relationships, and increased opportunities for job progression
(Nasirian & Taheri, 2019; Apostolou et al., 2020). However, despite the potential changes in
public attitudes over the years, the enduring presence of stigma remains.
Singleness, defined as the absence of a romantic partnership, has been a global
phenomenon (Girme, et al., 2023) over the past three decades, which saw a notable increase.
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Generation Decision Making and Building Connections” October 22-23, 2024

Asian nations like India, South Korea, Pakistan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Bangladesh are
witnessing a rise in the average age at first marriage (Census of India, 2011; Dommaraju, 2015;
Guilmoto & de Loenzien, 2015; Park & Choi, 2015; Podhisita & Xenos, 2015;). At the start of
the 21st century in the Philippines, it was revealed that 7.0% of older women in the Philippines
had never married (Hamedanchi & Zanjari, 2020), with marriage reduced by 20.1% between
2005 and 2015 (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2017).
In contemporary societies characterized by the persistence of negative attitudes towards
individuals not in a romantic partnership, women frequently experience the most significant
burden of public expectations and evaluations. According to Ibrahim and Hassan (2009),
singlehood, particularly among women, is a prominent subject in mass media discourses within
the Malaysian Malay community. The phenomenon of stigmatizing unmarried women goes
beyond the borders of China, as seen by the derogatory term "Leftover Women" (Yu, 2021),
which is explicitly used to marginalize individuals who deviate from conventional gender
norms by pursuing higher education, professional employment, and choosing to remain single
beyond the age of 27 (Gui, 2020).
In the Philippines, Alcasid et al. (2017) noted that Filipino millennials tend to be less
traditional and more accepting of diversity and exhibit lower instances of phenomena like
premarital sex and divorce, making them more accepting of prolonged singlehood. However,
there is a noticeable gap in research regarding the social stigma experienced by individuals
who choose to remain single for extended periods (Cabalza, 2018). Unmarried women, related
to the derogatory term "spinster," are frequently shown as undesirable or regarded as atypical,
thereby prompting cautious conversations and evoking sentiments of compassion (Howe,
2015).
Most studies on singlehood have primarily employed either quantitative or
phenomenological approaches, with no research utilizing the photovoice method. This study
aims to fill this gap by exploring single individuals' lived experiences and their coping
mechanisms in response to societal stigma through photovoice. Additionally, it seeks to
highlight the positive aspects of being single by examining how individuals adapt to their
circumstances and thrive within them.

LITERATURE REVIEW
This literature review includes the prevalence, experiences, and common stigma of
singlehood. Despite singlehood becoming common in the present generation, stigma remains.
The growth in the population of unmarried adults in recent years is the most substantial
demographic shift since the era of the 'Baby Boom', which Britannica (2009) defines as the
increase in the birth rate between 1946 and 1964 in North America (Klinenberg, 2013). In the
UK, for instance, one-person households nearly doubled from 17% to 31% between 1971 and
2000 (ONS, 2002). In the United States, unmarried individuals aged 15 and older grew from
one-third in the 1950s to 48% in 2020 (Census, 2021). Studies also indicate that about 25% of
American young adults are likely to remain unmarried (Wang & Parker, 2014), with a
particularly significant trend among Black Americans, where 71% remain single (Skipper et
al., 2021). In addition, the decennial census conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority in
2015 revealed that 44% of the population aged 10 and above were single, with a total of 34.8
million individuals—a significant increase from 31.3 million in 2010 (Philippine Statistics
Authority, 2020).
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Generation Decision Making and Building Connections” October 22-23, 2024

In the context of a single woman reaching middle age, the prevalent question often
concerns the timeline for marriage, encapsulated by age-old labels such as "spinster" or "old
maid" while men are referred to as "bachelors" (Cejuela, 2019). According to the findings of
Cejuela (2019), there exists a strong association between a woman's sense of self and her
marital status, with the categorization of "never-married" carrying negative connotations.
Previous research on singleness, such as that of Gubrium (1975), indicates that never-married
elderly people are a distinct group within each community who are frequently alone throughout
their lifetimes. Additional studies suggest that individuals in this demographic have diminished
levels of life satisfaction and happiness when compared to those who are married. In the
specific context of women, it is often assumed that being single signifies a lack of one's sense
of self or is linked to underlying psychological problems (Reyes-Laureano, 2012). Several
research studies have also suggested that unmarried women may suffer several adverse
psychological outcomes, such as feelings of loneliness, diminished self-perceived beauty,
reduced life satisfaction, and issues in their social connections and self-esteem (Byrne & Carr,
2005; Adamczyk K., 2017; Shahrak et al., 2021).
Moreover, research has established that individuals lacking romantic relationships
frequently experience challenges. These challenges were related to decreased support,
increased feelings of loneliness, and a perception of limited access to support, comfort, and
guidance in comparison to those who are involved in romantic partnerships (Adamczyk, 2016;
Greitemeyer, 2009; Prezza & Pacilli, 2002; Ta et al., 2017).
The stigma single women face daily intensifies the inherent challenges of singlehood.
Thus, it is necessary to understand and provide a platform for these stigmatized single women
and give voice to their realities.
METHODS
This study employed a qualitative methodology to capture individual experiences
(MccLeod, 2019). Specifically, the researchers utilized the photovoice methodology, which
involves photography and group discussions to empower marginalized individuals to express
their viewpoints (MacFarlane, 2017; Nykiforuk et al., 2011). This approach aims to capture
and enhance the fundamental characteristics of the community using visual narratives.
Moreover, researchers used the PHOTO framework (Hussey, 2006) to guide the discussion of
the participants regarding their photographs and obtain essential insights.
Participants of the Study
The study used a purposive sampling technique to gain knowledge about specific
phenomena, as Mccombes (2019) suggested. It is also ideal for in-depth examinations of
relatively small samples because it improves the alignment between the sample and research
objectives (Nikolopoulou, 2023), enhancing the study's rigor and the reliability of its data and
findings (Campbell et al., 2020). This study is limited to women aged 30 to 35 who have
remained single for at least five years and stayed in the Philippines for most of their life.
Below is the demographic profile of the participants. They were given pseudonyms for
anonymity and confidentiality.
Participants

Age

Ms. Patience

30

Yrs of Being
Single
Since birth

Occupation

Residence

MAPEH Teacher

Caloocan City
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Generation Decision Making and Building Connections” October 22-23, 2024

Ms. Maestra
Ms. Pamelia

30
30

6
7

Ms. Nine

30

7

Ms. Faith
Ms. Love

32
30

5
17

Piano Teacher
Medical
technologist
Manages family
business
BPO
English tutor

Malabon City
Romblon
Romblon
Calamba City
Los Baños

Data Collection
Interview and photovoice were the primary data collection methods used in this study.
Purposive sampling was used to recruit the six participants who met the criteria using
advertisements or referrals. Then, informed consent was obtained, followed by an orientation
on the nature of the study and photovoice. The PHOTO framework, derived from Hussey’s
work (2006), was implemented and demonstrated as follows:
P - Describe your Photo
H - What is Happening in your photo
O - Why did you take a photo Of this?
T - What does this photo Tell us about your life?
O - How can this photo provide Opportunities to improve life?
After the discussion, recorded data was transcribed and analyzed from the group
discussions and interviews.
Data Analysis
The data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Interview transcripts were read and
reread for familiarization. Initial coding was generated. Codes were then categorized into
respective themes. The themes were reviewed and finalized. Theme definition and labeling
were executed before the report writing. A photo exhibit was conducted during the
department’s research colloquium.
Ensuring Rigor and Trustworthiness
In order to uphold credibility and methodological rigor, the qualitative research
approach employed data source triangulation incorporating interview transcripts, photographs,
and captions generated through photovoice discussions (Saksena & McMorrow, 2020). In
addition, the researchers employed a technique known as homogeneous purposive sampling.
This approach has significant value in cases where the sample comprises individuals who
possess similar characteristics, including but not limited to age, gender, background, and
employment (Rai & Thapa, 2015). This approach will allow the researchers to concentrate on
specific characteristics within the population that are particularly relevant and will effectively
address the research questions.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Stigma Received and Internalized
In response to the first research question, “What kind of stigma have the participants
received and internalized?” Four recurring themes were observed, including (a) lonely and
incomplete, (b) unpreferred and unattractive, and (c) envious but choosy.
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“Research and Education Sustainability: Unlocking Opportunities in Shaping Today's
Generation Decision Making and Building Connections” October 22-23, 2024

Lonely and Incomplete. The participants revealed that
people think they are lonely because they have no one to be with.
Ms. Pamelia shared, “I remember a moment when I was sitting
alone, just reflecting or zoning out for a moment because I was
so tired from work, and then our neighbor told me, 'Oh, that’s
why you're like that because you don't have a partner.' – though
it seemed like she was joking.” However, being lonely is both a
stigma and a reality for single women; Ms. Pamelia added:
“Sometimes, I want to share this moment with someone. There
are moments when I know I want to share this moment with a
special someone, like watching the sunset together and just
The Only Sun in
enjoying the view. So sometimes it feels like something is
a Vast Sky
missing.” Ms. Nine also shared, “It's nice to look at, but you'll
still feel a sense of sadness because another day will pass
without feeling complete, as you lack inspiration.” The stigma of loneliness is portrayed in the
photo that displays the beauty of the only sun in a vast sky.
Moreover, singles are labeled as incomplete without a partner. This may come in
unsolicited advice, forced matchmaking, and the stigma that being single is a weakness. Ms.
Patience shared her experience with other people’s frequent attempts to introduce her to
possible love interests through positive-sounding statements
like “Uy bagay ‘to (referring to a potential dating partner)
Weak Independent
sayo'' [Hey, you are matched!] are in fact, people’s efforts to
Zinnia
pressure her into entering a relationship. She adds,
disappointedly, “Parang hindi naman nila masyadong kilala
tas pinapakilala nila sayo,” [Seems like they don't know the
person well, yet they're introducing them to you]. Ms. Patience
was disappointed that friends and relatives would introduce her
to any single man without knowing the person well. However,
she understands that they just want her to have a boyfriend.
Ms. Nine also shared, “You know, just like a flower that
sometimes withers, we are sometimes judged as if what is
happening in our lives is because we are single and there is a
need to get married. We are treated as if we are weak, and the
elders always tell me that I can’t manage on my own; at our age, we need to have children.”
As such, she gave a visual presentation by capturing a weak independent Zinnia flower.”
Previous studies support this finding. Loneliness in singlehood (Adamczyk, 2016)
manifests in lacking companionship and emotional support (Ang et al., 2020). Another study
by Lesch and Watt (2018) with African single ladies 30-40 years old found that loneliness and
incomplete stigma towards singles “limit the acknowledgments and ability to claim such
negative experiences for fear that they would be typecast” (Lesch & Watt, 2018, p. 9). This
implies that as the stigma continues, single people tend to become defensive with their negative
experiences and may become superficial with their relationships.
Unpreferred and Unattractive. The second emerging theme depicts how the
participants feel and are perceived by others as unattractive; thus, nobody chooses them. A
photo entitled “Tart vs Hershey'' represents the comparison of apparent differences in
appearance and/or qualities between a cheaper pili tart and a more expensive and popular
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“Research and Education Sustainability: Unlocking Opportunities in Shaping Today's
Generation Decision Making and Building Connections” October 22-23, 2024

Hershey chocolate. Ms. Maestra points to the tart and says, “Yung tart, ako yun. Tas yung
Hershey yung ibang girl. Sila pinipili, ako hindi.” [The tart, that's me. And Hershey is the other
girl. They are the ones being chosen, but I am not.] She sees herself as less attractive than other
ladies regarding her outward appearance.
Ms. Nine uses makeup to show that using
cosmetics to enhance one’s beauty is caused by the
pressure to conform to the prevailing beauty standards
around her. Notice her statement, “I'm afraid to show the
real me, so I need to use makeup to feel beautiful. I have
to make myself look good so that others will notice me. It's
like, through this makeup, I might meet other people's
standards.” This is supported by Ms. Nine commenting: I
can relate stigmatism to [cosmetic] make-up. Just because
I wear makeup or make myself look good, people think I'm
looking for a boyfriend.” Unmarried women are seen as
incompetent and unattractive (Kammeyer, et al., 1982).
This stigma is still present in our day and age.
Unfortunately, single women internalized such stigma,
“Tart vs Hershey''
which affects their self-image and self-esteem.
Envious but Choosy. The final theme that emerged is the stigma that single women
are envious of lovers and yet too picky in choosing a
male partner. As such, considering the significant
“Swan’s Bombastic Side Eye.”
number and similarities in appearance of the swans
on the glistening lake, Ms. Faith stated that they
represent the “side comments” she receives about her
singleness from her relatives and friends. She
recalled one instance, “Bakit wala pa, apaka-choosy
mo kasi.” [Why haven't you found one yet? It's
because you're choosy!] Another pressure from the
family of Ms. Nine who told her, “Mag-asawa ka na!
Baka maubusan ka ng oras at malipasan ka ng iyong
oras ng paghahanap or pagboboyfriend.” [Get married! You might run out of time and miss
your time for searching or dating.] It is as if there is a need to rush and stop being too picky.
With all of the comments about single women being choosy, there is a point where envy
creeps in. Ms. Nine shared her sentiments when she attended a wedding, “Despite the joyous
occasion, you quietly pray that you will be the next to get married, that the person God has
destined for you will finally come, and that you will also experience getting married in the
church.” In the study of Apostolou and Esposito (2020), one of the most significant reasons
for remaining single among Western societies is being too picky, which relates to the mismatch
problem. They further explained that people shun relationships and remain single until they
have found someone who fits their own mate's values. However, they may overestimate their
mate value and attract mates significantly beyond their reach, resulting in them remaining
single (Apostolou & Esposito, 2020).

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Ways to Seek Support, Resilience, and Empowerment
In response to the second research question, “In what ways do single individuals seek
support, resilience, or empowerment to counteract singlehood stigma?” three themes emerged:
(a) Finding Direction from God and Church, (b) Fostering Friendship, and (c) Recognizing
Self-Worth.
Finding Direction from God and Church. This theme encompasses how an individual
can navigate their current singleness through the counsel of the church and God Himself. Ms.
Pamelia stated, "By reading the Bible, I can find direction for my life despite what others tell
me. Reading the Bible is how we learn who God is. The Bible
contains His message about life, relationships, work — all things
that give our life meaning." This was portrayed by the photo she
took entitled "Celestial Compass," which emphasizes the
openness of oneself toward the Scriptures as a guide for her life.
The theme is further expanded by Ms. Love’s showcasing her
journal reflection on what God has to say for the weary soul, “God
will still say to you that, ‘Don't you worry. I got you. You got me.
The best way to cope with singleness, especially for a Christian
woman, is to be close to the Lord. I will note what God has told
me and how I reflect upon Him.” Thus, even though uncertainties
"Celestial Compass,"
may lurk around the corner during the season of singleness, an
assurance of comfort can become more apparent once journaling is practiced. Moreover, the
church also provides a safe space for single women – a community that prays for the members
in need. Ms. Faith commented, “The Church is one of the support systems for single women
because they are the ones who can give you advice, have more experiences, and at the same
time, they are the ones who pray for you. So it is very important to have your church family.
It's a support through prayers." This was supported by Ms. Maestra in which she stated, “….in
the church I receive support and comfort through the messages, the topics, and from the
brethren. It’s a great support emotionally, socially, and spiritually." She specified how the
messages from the church could play a significant role in emotionally and spiritually easing
her unsettledness during her season of singlehood. Previous research established that higher
levels of spirituality are associated with problem-focused coping strategies (Krageloh et al.,
2012) and provide meaning, purpose, and hope (Baldacchino & Draper, 2001).
Fostering Friendship. Another theme emerged that pertains to the importance of
cultivating bonds between individuals who nurture trust, a sense of connection and kinship as
an avenue for empowerment. Ms. Nine elaborated on the picture entitled “Sips and Stories”,
which brings to mind joyous memories of time well spent together. She explains, “It reminds
me of my friends who serve as my support system. Being a single individual, I lean on my
friends for emotional support, companionship, and encouragement.” The clinking of glasses
under the setting sun amplifies the joyous memory and demonstrates how being single does
not always imply being alone in the fun. Ms. Patience also highlighted the essence of fostering
camaraderie with fellow singles as a source of belongingness and comfort, saying, “If we are
going through the same thing, it's like you have the same vibe, so it's easier to interact. Support
from friends and spending time with them is very important because it helps you realize that
you can still do many things. Some people are blessed to have a partner, so we should support
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Generation Decision Making and Building Connections” October 22-23, 2024

them. And for us single ladies, let us support one another,
knowing there is still so much to experience and explore with
our friends.” Indeed, with the right people, the adventure of a
lifetime can occur even without a lover. As long as one has the
time to spend with friends, nothing can stop them from
enjoying life.
Previous research shows that social support is a
protective factor in a person’s life. It provides potential health
benefits (Ahmadi, 2015), psychological benefits during stress,
and enhanced overall well-being among women (Bedrov &
Gable, 2022).

“Sips and Stories”

Recognizing Self-Worth. Understanding and
appreciating one's beauty and worth is a never-ending process
that typically entails self-awareness, kindness to oneself, and
intentionality in fostering a positive
self-image. It is a journey of
acknowledging that each individual
is intrinsically valuable enough to
begin treating oneself with the
respect and kindness everyone
deserves. With this, single women
can confidently face singlehood
stigma. The participants shared
different depictions of their selfworth. They acknowledged that in pursuing love, they overlooked the reservoir of
unconditional love present from the start: family.
Ms. Faith’s shared a picture of her complete family. She described the photo as, “My
whole family makes me feel complete. Sometimes, it reminds me that there is something like
this — this love, from them.” Ms. Faith's statements reflected that the conventional love from a
romantic partner that feeds an individual’s self-worth may still be found in another form. This
may also be interpreted as the supposed void one feels when lacking a romantic partner is filled
with another love. In Ms. Faith’s case, her family makes her feel “complete.” Ms Pamelia also
thought similarly about her family: “My family has witnessed my journey even up to this age,
embracing me with open arms and building stronger connections with them. The bond of my
family, because it allows me to be stronger and more confident in life, reminds me that despite
being single, their existence helps me feel that I am not alone in my journey. Their presence
helps me to flourish and be more proactive as a single woman.” The expressed thought of Ms.
Pamelia uncovers the unconditional love she receives from her family as they reaffirm her selfworth with complete acceptance. Lastly, a person's self-worth is not solely dependent on the
contribution of others; rather, it must also be independently sought and cultivated. For Ms.
Nine, this cultivation comes from expressing herself. She said, “Being single can be a time for
me to express myself, discover my interests, and develop my personality without the influence
of a romantic partner.” Ms. Nine vocalized that her way of freely expressing herself would
help her shape her identity without a romantic partner. According to studies, women who have
a high sense of self-worth are less likely to suffer from anxiety, despair, or loneliness, even
A Love Overlooked

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when they do not have a romantic partner. They tend to acquire more emotional resilience,
allowing them to successfully deal with societal pressures and personal disappointments
(Pyszczynski, et al., 2004). Self-esteem protects against thoughts of inadequacy or being
defined primarily by relationship status (Manela, & Oshri, 2021).
CONCLUSION, IMPLICATION, SUGGESTION, AND LIMITATIONS
In exploring the stigma of singlehood experienced by the participants, this study found
a thin line between the stigma and the reality of their experiences. For instance, regarding
loneliness stigma, participants expressed feeling lonely at the end of the day or during specific
occasions (e.g. weddings, when in beautiful scenery). Acknowledging these negative
experiences promotes genuineness and authenticity which are positively associated with
overall well-being and life satisfaction (Sutton, 2020; Ryan & Ryan, 2019). Moreover,
participants face the dilemma of feeling envious of those in relationships, while also resisting
societal pressure to rush into a relationship in favor of maintaining their standards and waiting
for the “one.” Finally, the perception that single women are unattractive can be damaging to
their self-worth and self-esteem. They often compare themselves to others in terms of beauty,
desirable traits, and appeal.
The participants' reliance on their faith, particularly through prayer, Scripture reading,
and the church community, highlights the critical role of spirituality in mitigating the negative
effects of stigma. This suggests that spiritual resources can offer emotional support, a sense of
direction, and comfort during challenging times. Moreover, the participants’ ability to reaffirm
their self-worth through family perspectives and spiritual identity demonstrates a proactive
approach to self-development during singlehood. This suggests that self-affirmation practices,
whether through faith, family, or personal development, can help buffer the damaging effects
of societal stigma. Finally, by viewing singlehood as an opportunity for personal development,
participants challenge the traditional societal narrative that links worth or fulfillment solely to
romantic relationships. This indicates the potential for reshaping societal perceptions of
singlehood through positive reframing.
The findings of this study are essential in helping readers, especially single individuals
in the Philippines, understand the prevailing stigma surrounding singleness and the positive
coping strategies they can adopt in response. However, the results of this research may not be
generalizable due to its subjective nature and the small sample size. Additionally, the
researchers were not able to conduct face-to-face discussions for all three pairs, which deviates
slightly from the original Photovoice methodology, which aims to gather all participants in one
physical location for discussions. Instead, the researchers opted for synchronous meetings.
Based on the data gathered, the following recommendations were proposed:
Future researchers may consider conducting longitudinal studies to track the changes
in societal attitudes towards singleness over time. Additionally, they could conduct
comparative analyses of different regions or societies with varying degrees of singleness stigma
could help identify the factors contributing to both differences and similarities in attitudes
toward singleness.
For single women, it is important to maintain positive coping strategies. Negative
experiences associated with singlehood such as loneliness or the perception of being overly
selective, are to be acknowledged. Seeking professional help can be beneficial for improving
their mental health and increasing access to resources and support in addressing the stigma of
singlehood. It is also essential to strike a balance between setting a mate’s value and
recognizing the available options among potential partners.
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Generation Decision Making and Building Connections” October 22-23, 2024

For families and relatives of single women, it is important to recognize that these
women are aware of their situations. There is no need to repeatedly remind them of what they
are missing by remaining single or to question why they are still single. Instead, being part of
their support system and offering love and understanding can fulfill their need for
companionship. Family members should also critically evaluate cultural norms and
expectations to foster an environment of acceptance and understanding.
For the church community, researchers suggest that churches can lead by example by
ensuring that the leadership positions are diverse and inclusive, which promotes open
communication and a welcoming atmosphere. Moreover, churches can provide social support
and programs specifically for singles.
Finally, the broader community can combat singleness stigma by fostering inclusivity
and ensuring that all individuals are respected and valued, regardless of their relationship status.
Creating support groups and programs for singles, which include counseling services and social
activities, can help build a sense of belonging and community.

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Generation Decision Making and Building Connections” October 22-23, 2024

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