Using an Evolutionary Psychological Approach to Develop an Intervention to Improve Relationship Prospects and Mental Health in 'Dysphoric' Singles

Aims and purpose: Epidemiological research consistently shows single people, on average, have worse mental and physiological health outcomes than married individuals. Moreover, recent research has shown suffering in singlehood can lead to poor mental health, suicidal ideation and hostile attitudes towards the opposite sex. These outcomes are exacerbated by feelings of

hopelessness towards relationship prospects (Costello et al, 2022; 2023). 'Dysphoric singlehood' denotes the intense and enduring negative emotional

experiences involuntarily singlehood can cause. Most relationship studies focus on already existing relationships. However, with a singlehood epidemic looming, understanding more about how singlehood can become a source of suffering is critical. The purpose of this PhD is to develop a robust measure of dysphoric singlehood and recommend a compassion-focused

therapy (CFT) intervention for improving well-being in dysphoric singles. The first objective will be achieved through thematically analysed qualitative research involving interviews with subgroups of singles, and a dysphoric singlehood questionnaire allowing for quantitative analysis to support the validity of these findings. I aim to improve

current understandings of who singlehood negatively effects, how and why. The second objective will build on these findings, and involve piloting, and examining the effects of CFT interventions on dysphoric singles. The purpose of this is to identify which interventions work most effectively with different groups of dysphoric singles.

The broader aim of this PhD is to build a foundation for more extensive development and testing of interventions that improve the relationship and mental health prospects of a growing population of singles.