Remaining single into later life is often seen from the deficit model of being unmarried but in this study older, competent, never married people are studied from a normative perspective. Using Eriksons developmental theory and relational analytic thought, six common attributes emerged: On Ones Own; On the Periphery; The Responsible One; Independent in Relationships; Comfort Zone/Make a Difference; and A Space of Ones Own. An independent sense of identity was found within a relational matrix, with a Winnicotian capacity to be alone. Marriage is secondary to ensuring a space of ones own,...
Remaining single into later life is often seen from the deficit model of being unmarried but in this study older, competent, never married people are ...
