Singlehood : perceptions of happiness and quality of life of middle-aged, never-married Filipino women / Cyrie Adaemil T. Cruz, Laurie S. Ramiro.

This study sought to understand the various life issues faced by Filipino single, never-married women, aged 40 years and above particularyl in relation to their perceptions of happiness and quality of life. Two hundred and twenty one (221) women were purposively selected to participate in this study. After obtaining their informed consent, a pretested questionnaire that look into their reasons for remaining single, relationship history, and their perceptions of happiness and quality of life, was administered. In-depth individual and group interviews with a number of survey respondents provided richer information about the cognitions and feelings of single, never married women. The data were analyzed using a triangulation of statistical and qualitative techniques. The results indicated that 80.5 percent of middle-aged, never married women-respondents reported to be happy or very happy with their current statuts. Family was the primary source of happiness, followed by friends and relationship with God. In general, the respondents reported to have "good" quality of life especially in the pyschological domain. While there existed a significant difference in the levels of happiness between those who personally opted to be single and those who were compelled to, the quality of life of the two groups remained at the same level. Therefore, contrary to extisting perceptions, single, never-married women can enjoy good quality of life that include physical, emotional and social status, although the levels of happiness may differ between those who sought it by choice, and those who remained single by circumstance.

General Education.