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Staying single for life may come with significant economic and medical challenges, according to a recent study published in Psychological Science. Researchers from the University of Bremen in Germany revealed that individuals who remain single throughout their lives tend to face lower life satisfaction and exhibit distinct personality traits compared to those in relationships.
The study analyzed data from 77,000 Europeans, examining their life satisfaction and personality characteristics based on the Big Five traits: openness to experience, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. The findings showed that lifelong singles are generally less extroverted, less conscientious, and less open to new experiences compared to those in long-term partnerships.
“People who stay single all their lives are at an economic and medical disadvantage compared to those who are married or in long-term relationships,” explained Julia Stern, a senior researcher and one of the lead authors of the study. She emphasized that these differences become more pronounced with age, as older individuals face greater health and financial challenges. “They need more help, and the help is usually the partner,” Stern noted.
Interestingly, the research highlighted some variation in satisfaction among singles. Single women reported higher life satisfaction than single men, and older singles appeared more content with their status compared to middle-aged singles. Despite this, singles of all ages consistently reported lower overall life satisfaction compared to their partnered counterparts.
The findings underscore the importance of creating supportive networks and programs tailored to lifelong singles. These could be particularly beneficial for older individuals, who may struggle with isolation and loneliness. The study suggests that such programs should take personality traits into account and focus on helping singles connect with like-minded peers.
As societal norms evolve and singlehood becomes a more common lifestyle choice, experts stress the need for inclusive systems that address the unique challenges faced by those who opt out of traditional relationships. Developing these networks could help mitigate the economic and emotional disadvantages identified in the study, ensuring better outcomes for lifelong singles.
