Researchers from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia have identified four archetypes that describe lonely individuals, based on core personality traits. The study also notes that how lonely people are perceived by others and the attitudes toward them vary significantly by gender. The findings were reported in a peer-reviewed psychology journal focused on social behavior and personality.
The research employed a two-part design with participants totaling 286 adults from the United States and Canada, averaging around 50 years in age. Participants completed an online survey exploring perceptions of loneliness, associated stereotypes, and the discrimination single people may face in daily life.
The results showed that both lonely women and lonely men were linked to positive traits such as independence and kindness. At the same time, negative gender-neutral stereotypes emerged, including perceptions of selfishness or promiscuity.
Across the data, a general pattern appeared: lonely individuals were often perceived differently by gender, with women receiving comparatively more favorable impressions than men in several cases.
One of the researchers noted that the study revealed a surprising array of positive stereotypes about lonely women, highlighting resilience, creativity, and strength. In contrast, some stereotypes about lonely men were distinctly negative, illustrating views of danger or hostility in certain contexts.
From the collected responses, four main archetypes of lonely individuals were identified. They were labeled as “professionals,” “carefree,” “heartless,” and “outcasts.”
“Professionals” are seen as prioritizing career or personal ambitions over close relationships. They typically appear successful in work or personal pursuits and are regarded as competent and trustworthy by both male and female respondents.
“Carefree” singles are described as freedom-loving, kind, and optimistic souls who prefer living without the constraints of a serious relationship. In this category, women are often portrayed as creative and open-minded, while men are characterized as flexible, able to adapt to shifting circumstances in pursuit of personal freedom.
“Heartless” lonely individuals are viewed as selfish, hypocritical, and prone to womanizing, with loneliness attributed to a perceived lack of empathy. Women in this group are sometimes labeled as self-protective or untrustworthy, whereas men are described as aloof and untrustworthy.
Finally, “outcasts” are perceived as solitary and less socially integrated. In perceptions of this group, women may be seen as cold, and men as immature or sloppy.
Overall, the study concludes that single people, regardless of gender, encounter discrimination rooted in stereotypes about their social status and relationship choices.
Earlier research in psychology has shown that the absence of a partner in younger years can influence earnings, well‑being, and perceived social functioning, a pattern that appears to persist across different life stages and contexts.