💘 A study reveals the impact of prolonged singlehood on well-being

More and more young adults are extending the period of singlehood. The question arises: does not having a long-term partner affect happiness and mental health? Some answers come from a scientific study that followed thousands of people over several years.

To understand the influence of lasting singlehood on well-being, a team from the University of Zurich conducted an in-depth survey. Data from over 17,000 young people in Germany and the United Kingdom, all single at the start of the study, were analyzed. These participants answered annual questionnaires between the ages of 16 and 29, providing a precise view of the evolution of their state of mind over this period.


The examination reveals that certain profiles are more common among people who remain single for a long time. Thus, individuals with a high level of education and those with initially lower well-being generally experience longer periods of singlehood. Living conditions, such as living alone or with a parent, also play a role. This link between high education and delay in romantic commitment had already been observed in other works, as the researchers note in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

Over time, young adults who remain single experience a more pronounced decrease in their life satisfaction. At the same time, the feeling of loneliness gradually increases, and these gaps become more pronounced towards the end of their twenties. During this phase, depressive symptoms also progress. The same broad trends are observed in men and women, with no major distinction between the sexes.

Entering a first romantic relationship is accompanied by positive changes. From the start of a partnership, the individual's well-being improves on several levels: life satisfaction increases, both in the short and long term. However, this effect does not result in a decrease in depressive symptoms.

These results show a cycle in which initially low well-being can complicate the formation of relationships, particularly at an older age. While singlehood is often presented as a choice of independence, this research indicates that psychological and social factors come into play.

The transformations of lifestyles in current society

Lifestyle habits are undergoing rapid changes, influenced by economic and cultural shifts. Currently, a significant proportion of young people prioritize long studies and careers, which delays entry into couple life. This priority given to education and work is a phenomenon observed in many industrialized countries.

At the same time, social norms surrounding marriage and relationships have relaxed. Individuals enjoy greater freedom to define their path, including by choosing singlehood. This autonomy, often perceived as progress, comes with new difficulties, such as managing loneliness in a more individualistic environment.

Digital technologies also contribute to this trend. Dating applications are transforming how people meet. These developments can offer more flexibility in relationships, but also make them more temporary, with an effect on emotional stability.

Taking these changes into account, it is easier to understand why research on singlehood is growing.