The life styles and life chances of the unmarried include elements of choices. Singles may be grouped and characterized according to whether their status may be considered stable or temporary. A life cycle, or continuum model of singlehood is reviewed, including its different factors, or phases. A new model for singles is proposed--a life spiral model to reflect varying patterns of adulthood. (Life spiral means incorporation of traditional and alternative roles in the life course.) The life spiral is a non-linear definition of the life span, which enables the viewing of individuals who choose alternate paths of adult life. The focus is on identifying the presence or absence of traditional patterns, on the emergence of new roles and on alternative sequences of new and old roles. The new model incorporates a theory of human needs and an analysis of the ways individuals and groups meet these needs. (Author/BMW)