Lonely Losers: Stereotypes of Single Dwellers

Abstract

Stereotypes of persons who live alone were explored using a standard impression formation format. One hundred fifteen college students rated the personal characteristics and sociability of fictional peers described as living either alone or with roommates. Variance analysis for subject and target sex and target living status indicated that single dwellers were perceived as being socially less desirable and less active, but busier, quieter and more independent, than those living with others. Furthermore, such attributions are made regardless of the sex of perceiver or target. Thus, it appears that college students have fairly negative stereotypes of single dwelling peers; however, the validity of this stereotype and the extent to which it is applied to actual peers and other age groups remain questionable.