The University of Zurich led a longitudinal analysis of more than 17,000 young people in Germany and the United Kingdom who had no prior romantic experience when the study began. Participants were surveyed annually between ages 16 and 29. The research compared individuals who remained single for long periods with those who entered a first partnership later.
The team identified several sociodemographic and psychological predictors of extended singlehood. Those more likely to remain single included men, people with higher education, individuals reporting lower current well-being, and those living alone or with a parent. Across the study period, consistent singles experienced a steeper decline in life satisfaction and growing loneliness. These negative trends became particularly marked in the late twenties, when symptoms of depression also rose. The patterns were similar for men and women.
When participants formed a first romantic relationship, researchers observed improvements in well-being: life satisfaction increased and loneliness decreased, both in the short term and over a longer follow-up. However, the study did not find a comparable effect on depressive symptoms. The authors suggest that lower well-being may make it harder to form a first partnership in the late twenties, which can prolong singlehood.
The findings appear in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Source: University of Zurich.
Difficult words
- longitudinal — study that follows people over many years
- predictor — factor that helps forecast a later outcomepredictors
- sociodemographic — relating to social and population characteristics
- singlehood — state of being unmarried or without partner
- well-being — general level of a person's mental health
- loneliness — feeling of being socially isolated or alone
- depression — mental condition with persistent low mood
- partnership — a romantic relationship between two people
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why might lower well-being make it harder for someone to form a first partnership in their late twenties? Give possible reasons.
- What social or personal consequences could result from a longer period of singlehood and growing loneliness in the late twenties?
- What measures could schools, employers, or communities take to reduce loneliness and support people who remain single for long periods?
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