This study was aimed to explore middle class single adult women's experience concerning their identity as a single in Surabaya. The number of single adult women in Surabaya has been increased since 2010 until recently. Phenomenological method was used in this study. Data collected using indepth semi-structured interviews and analysed using IPA (Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis). This study reveals three themes, namely the experience of being stigmatized, psychological impacts of the stigma, and strategies employed to cope with stigma and psychological discomforts. Most participants reported that they are called as “perawan tua” (spinster), “tidak laku” (leftover) by social surroundings. They are also blamed as having negative traits such as introvert because of their single status. The experience of being stigmatized has impacted on their psychological discomforts such as insecure feelings and loneliness. To cope with stigma and psychological discomforts, most participants employed some strategies, namely reevaluating single identity in positive ways, avoiding situations wich invite stigma, and accepting God's destiny and plan.

Author Name: Ema Septiana, Muhammad Syafiq

URL: View PDF

Keywords: Single women, identity threat, stigma

ISSN: 2087-1708

EISSN: 2597-9035

EOI/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26740/jpt

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