While singlehood is often associated with freedom and adventure, a recent study published in Psychological Science reveals that lifelong singles may experience lower life satisfaction and distinct personality traits compared to those in long-term relationships. The research highlights the potential long-term emotional costs of remaining unpartnered and calls for greater societal support for lifelong singles.

The study, led by Julia Stern, a senior researcher at the University of Bremen in Germany, surveyed over 77,000 Europeans aged 50 and above across 27 countries. Among them, more than 4,900 had never married, nearly 2,900 had never cohabited with a partner, and close to 2,400 had never been in a serious long-term relationship. The findings revealed that individuals who had never been in committed relationships reported lower levels of life satisfaction and scored lower on personality traits such as extraversion, openness to new experiences, and conscientiousness.

According to Stern, these differences are likely due to personality traits that make some individuals more likely to seek out and maintain relationships. “It’s more likely you have these selection effects: For example, people who are more extroverted are more likely to enter a relationship,” she explained. While being in a relationship can bring minor and temporary changes to personality, the core traits often remain unchanged.

Gender and age also played significant roles in the study. Single women tended to report higher life satisfaction than single men, potentially due to stronger social networks and differing societal expectations. Meanwhile, older singles appeared to be more content with their circumstances than middle-aged adults, possibly because they had moved past the societal pressure to marry and start families.

Cultural norms further influenced life satisfaction among singles. In societies where marriage is seen as a social expectation, lifelong singles reported lower levels of happiness, suggesting that societal attitudes can deeply impact individual well-being.

Stern emphasized the importance of addressing loneliness among singles, urging the development of programs tailored to their unique personality traits and social needs. “If they have people who care for them or look out for them regularly, this might help,” she noted.

This study sheds light on the complexities of singlehood, highlighting the interplay between personality, relationships, and cultural expectations. As more people choose alternative life paths, understanding and supporting their emotional well-being becomes increasingly important.