Challenges and well-being of single women living in Malaysia

Abstract

Despite the evidence of an increasing number of unmarried women in Malaysia, this group remains an understudied group. Thus the present study examined the life of single women in Malaysia. The aims of this study were to 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, 12 single women between the ages of 31 to 49 years old, who had never married, living in Malaysia, participated in this study. A qualitative study was designed; in-depth interviews were carried out to elicit information from the participants and the data was analyzed using a systematic process. Results from this study showed that the participants viewed their challenges as attributed to, (1) judgmental attitudes of other people towards singles; (2) own struggle with self-acceptance; (3) being stereotyped and treated unfairly; (4) feelings of insecurity and displacements; and (5) experience of negative 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 for the future. These findings suggest that 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. © Behavioral Science Research Institute.