Those who fear being single generally do not have difficulty attracting prospective partners; is this so because daters cannot detect fear of being single, or because detected fear of being single does not hinder desirability?

Detectability and Desirability of Fear of Being Single in Online Dating Profiles. Stephanie S. Spielmann  Kevin P. Gahman. Journal of Personality, September 30 2020. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopy.12597

Abstract

Objective: Those who fear being single generally do not have difficulty attracting prospective partners. The present research explores whether this is because daters cannot detect fear of being single, or because detected fear of being single does not hinder desirability.

Method: In Study 1 (N=235, 60% women, Mage=36.9), participants created dating profiles then rated the desirability of profiles depicting high vs. low fear of being single (high narcissism control). In Study 2 (N=176, 69% women, Mage=21.4), participants evaluated fear of being single and desirability of actual profiles.

Results: Differences in fear of being single were detectable. Furthermore, detecting higher fear of being single predicted lower romantic desirability. Desirability ratings were due, in part, to estimating lower physical attractiveness (Study 2). Perceivers’ own fear of being single moderated effects, such that those higher in fear of being single were not deterred by higher fear of being single.

Conclusions: Fear of being single may be detectable when online dating, but desirability of detected fear of being single varies depending on perceiver traits and may be driven in part by misperceptions of physical attractiveness. This research sheds light on challenges for those who fear being single as they attempt to attract mates.