In a society that often holds marriage and long-term relationships as the gold standard, a rising number of individuals are choosing lifelong singlehood. While this choice is increasingly normalized, recent findings published in Psychological Science reveal significant psychological and health implications for those who remain single for life. These impacts, spanning across life satisfaction, personality traits, and the ability to manage aging-related challenges, suggest a deeper story behind the appeal of independence.
Lifelong Singlehood: Weighing the Disadvantages
For those who choose not to pursue long-term relationships, the consequences can extend beyond social perceptions. According to Julia Stern, senior researcher at the University of Bremen in Germany, single individuals, especially the elderly, may encounter challenges in areas like healthcare access, emotional support, and financial stability. “They need more help, and the help is usually the partner,” Stern noted, highlighting the vital role a spouse or partner often plays in aging.
The study examined data from 77,000 Europeans over the age of 50, drawing from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). This expansive dataset included participants from 27 countries, offering a cross-cultural perspective on the unique experiences of lifelong singles.
The research revealed some striking trends:
- Lower life satisfaction: Lifelong singles consistently rated their life satisfaction lower than those in current or past partnerships.
- Distinct personality traits: Single individuals scored lower in three of the Big Five personality traits—extraversion, openness, and conscientiousness. These traits are linked to better relationships, health outcomes, and social connections.
- Varying definitions of singlehood: To refine the analysis, the researchers categorized participants as currently partnered, never married, never living with a partner, or never in any long-term relationship. Those who had never been in a long-term relationship exhibited the lowest life satisfaction and personality trait scores compared to other single categories.
The findings suggest that the absence of a long-term relationship may exacerbate feelings of isolation and dissatisfaction.
Culture and Singlehood: Does Location Influence Happiness?
The role of culture in shaping the single experience cannot be overlooked. The researchers discovered that singles in countries with higher marriage rates, such as Italy and Spain, tended to experience even lower life satisfaction. This could be attributed to stronger societal expectations for marriage and family life in southern European nations, where remaining single might carry a stigma.
On the other hand, the study found no significant correlation between a country’s religiosity and singles’ happiness levels, challenging assumptions that deeply religious societies might further penalize unmarried individuals.
Regional Comparison: Life Satisfaction by Cultural Norms
| Region | Marriage Rate | Effect on Singles’ Life Satisfaction |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Europe | High | Lower life satisfaction due to cultural pressures |
| Northern Europe | Moderate | Minimal effect, more social acceptance of singlehood |
| Eastern Europe | Mixed | Varies by individual country’s norms and expectations |
Gender and Age: Surprising Differences in Single Experiences
When comparing across gender and age, the research uncovered surprising nuances:
- Gender: Single women reported higher life satisfaction than single men, suggesting that women may be better equipped to find fulfillment outside of relationships.
- Age: Older singles, especially those past the typical child-rearing years, appeared more content with their status compared to middle-aged singles, potentially because they’ve had time to adapt to or embrace their circumstances.
Stern hypothesizes that older singles may find relief as societal pressures for marriage and family diminish with age.
Implications for Health and Personality
The personality traits observed in singles—lower extraversion, conscientiousness, and openness—are more than academic curiosities. These traits are strong predictors of health and longevity, with research linking them to better immune function, stress management, and social support networks.
The study raises an important question: do these traits cause singlehood, or does singlehood shape these traits? Stern believes the former is more likely, as personality changes resulting from relationships tend to be small and temporary. For example, an extraverted person may become temporarily less social when entering a new relationship but will eventually return to their baseline behavior.
“It’s more likely you have these selection effects,” Stern explained, “For example, people who are more extraverted are more likely to enter a relationship.”
Practical Solutions for Single Individuals
The research underscores the need to support lifelong singles, particularly as they age. Stern advocates for developing social programs tailored to single individuals, focusing on fostering community and reducing loneliness.
Potential Interventions
- Community networks: Creating spaces for singles to connect with like-minded individuals and build friendships that substitute for the traditional partner role.
- Personalized health support: Offering resources that cater specifically to the unique challenges faced by singles, such as navigating healthcare systems without a partner’s assistance.
- Social skill development: Programs designed to boost extraversion and openness, helping singles form meaningful connections.
Stern emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing these needs:
“If they have people who care for them or look out for them regularly, this might help.”
Rethinking the Single Life
While lifelong singlehood can be a fulfilling and intentional choice, the research suggests that it comes with challenges that cannot be ignored. The lower scores in life satisfaction and personality traits raise concerns about the long-term well-being of singles, especially as they age and require additional support.
By fostering inclusive networks and creating targeted interventions, society can ensure that single individuals thrive regardless of their relationship status. After all, independence doesn’t have to mean isolation—there are countless ways to find joy and connection without a traditional partnership.
The question isn’t just whether to embrace singlehood, but how to shape it into a life that’s truly satisfying.
Source: Psychological Science
I won’t speak for all but I, myself, have had quite enough of the females treatment of men in general. I do not appreciate being taken advantage of or be called the slew of names they have in their vocabulary, i.e., misogynist, toxic, etc., especially when I’ve done nothing but be as good a person as I can. MGTOW.
Marriage is not for every woman or man on earth. There are already 8.1 billion humans on earth. That is too many people to sustain the basics such as food and housing. Everyone has their own lifestyle choice.
Single women over the age of 50 are quite content to have time to themselves where they put their own needs first. I know many single women who wouldn’t even consider locking themselves down to cater to anyone anymore. Men are a chore. They need to rely on someone to do the menial chores. Older women are not interested in doing them. It’s not that difficult to understand why being single is attractive. I’m sure men in the same age bracket feel the same about women. The banksters, though, would love us all to “doubleup”. Life isn’t about satisfying those who think we are units of cash for them.