While marriage or long-term relationships are often considered the norm, an increasing number of people are choosing to remain single throughout their lives.
However, lifelong singlehood can bring challenges, particularly as individuals age and may become more dependent on others for support.
New research published in Psychological Science sheds light on the economic, social, and psychological differences between lifelong singles and those in partnerships, emphasizing the importance of tailored support networks for single people.
The study, led by Julia Stern from the University of Bremen in Germany, explored life satisfaction and personality traits among over 77,000 Europeans aged 50 and above. It was the first large-scale study to examine lifelong singles across multiple cultures.
The findings revealed that lifelong singles scored lower on life satisfaction and displayed notable differences in personality traits compared to their partnered peers. Specifically, they were less extroverted, less conscientious, and less open to new experiences.
These personality differences may play a role in the challenges lifelong singles face. Extroversion, for instance, is often linked to forming and maintaining social relationships, while conscientiousness and openness can influence adaptability and engagement with the world.
Lifelong singles may also face societal pressures and expectations tied to marriage, which could contribute to feelings of dissatisfaction.
Interestingly, the study also examined variations in singlehood by defining single status in different ways: currently single, never married, never living with a partner, or never being in any long-term relationship.
People who had never been in a serious relationship reported lower scores in life satisfaction, extroversion, and openness compared to those who had been married or cohabited in the past. However, all single groups reported lower scores in these areas than those currently in partnerships.
The findings point to the possibility of “selection effects” rather than “socialization” as the root of these differences.
In other words, people with certain personality traits, such as higher extroversion, are more likely to enter relationships in the first place, rather than relationships significantly altering personality traits.
While relationships may bring temporary changes—like an extrovert spending more time at home early in a relationship—their core personality traits tend to remain stable over time.
Cultural factors also influence the experience of singlehood. In southern European countries with higher marriage rates, single people reported slightly lower life satisfaction, though the effects were modest.
Interestingly, the religiosity of a country did not seem to play a significant role. Gender and age also mattered: single women generally reported higher life satisfaction than single men, and older singles tended to feel more content with their status than middle-aged singles.
This shift in older singles may stem from an acceptance of their circumstances as societal expectations around marriage diminish with age.
Despite these variations, the lower life satisfaction and personality differences among lifelong singles raise concerns.
Research has shown that traits like extroversion and conscientiousness can influence health and longevity, underscoring the need for initiatives to support the well-being of lifelong singles, particularly as they age.
Stern emphasizes the importance of creating programs that cater to the unique needs of singles, such as combating loneliness and fostering social connections. “If they have people who care for them or look out for them regularly, this might help,” she explained.
By acknowledging the specific challenges lifelong singles face, society can develop resources and networks that promote their happiness and health, ensuring they feel valued and supported regardless of their relationship status.
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The research findings can be found in Psychological Science.
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