Table for One: Does Being Single and Living Alone Protect or Hurt Health?

Abstract

Despite its significant growth globally over the past two decades, the single and living alone (SALA) population remains understudied. This study asks how SALA status impacts health and how its impact varies by social participation. It applies two competing theories (social integration versus social cost) to investigate the main impact of SALA status and proposes two competing propositions (double advantage versus compensation effect) to predict the variation of the impact by social participation. Using nationally representative data from the Americans' Changing Lives Study (1986-2011), I examine three health outcomes: depressive symptoms, cognitive limitations, and self-rated poor health. Results are mixed. SALA individuals have more depressive symptoms and cognitive limitations than individuals who are satisfyingly married and living with others, but fewer depressive symptoms and better self-rated health than those who are unsatisfyingly married and living with others. Those who are single and living with others show similar health status. Social participation reduces the health disadvantage of SALA individuals. I discuss the theoretical and empirical implications of the findings and emphasize the need for greater attention to the SALA population.