Dealing With Singlehood: Exploring Attachment, Intolerance of Uncertainty, Immature Defense Mechanisms, and Mental Well-being Among Involuntary Singles

The number of people who remain single for extended periods is steadily increasing around the world. While studies have described a decline in the mental well-being of singles, the underlying causes remain largely unexplored. This study seeks to address this gap by examining the relationship between attachment styles and mental well-being, focusing on the roles of intolerance of uncertainty and immature defense mechanisms. By examining these factors, the study aims to identify the contributors to the reduction of mental well-being among involuntary singles and to highlight individual differences within this population. Using a cross-sectional design, a total of 183 involuntary singles (average age = 27.66, age range = 25–40) participated in the study and filled out self-report questionnaires. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlations and structural equation modeling (SEM) with bootstrapping procedures to test indirect effects. The results showed a direct negative relationship between insecure attachment styles and mental well-being. Moreover, intolerance of uncertainty and immature defense mechanisms were found to mediate this relationship, suggesting that insecure attachment style among involuntary singles, can decrease mental well-being through the mediating role of ineffective coping mechanisms and intolerance of uncertainty.