Long-Term Singles Face Declining Well-Being, Study Finds

A recent study from the University of Zurich highlights a concerning trend among long-term singles, revealing a significant decline in life satisfaction and overall well-being. Conducted by a research team led by Michael Krämer, the study examined over 17,000 young adults in Germany and the United Kingdom, focusing on those who had not previously engaged in romantic relationships.

The findings indicate that individuals who remain single for extended periods, particularly into their late twenties, experience heightened feelings of loneliness and depression. As societal narratives increasingly celebrate singlehood as a lifestyle choice, the research underscores the potential psychological impacts associated with prolonged single status.

Profile of Long-Term Singles

The research team analyzed various socio-demographic and psychological factors that contribute to longer periods of singlehood. According to the study, men, individuals with higher education levels, and those currently experiencing lower well-being are more likely to remain single. Krämer stated, “Our results demonstrate that both socio-demographic factors such as education and psychological characteristics such as current well-being help predict who will enter into a romantic relationship and who won’t.”

The analysis revealed a clear pattern: as educational focus intensifies, the likelihood of entering committed relationships diminishes. This aligns with previous sociological findings, which suggest that higher educational attainment often correlates with delayed relationship commitments.

The Impact of Relationship Status on Well-Being

As part of the study, researchers tracked the evolution of life satisfaction, loneliness, and depressive symptoms among consistently single individuals compared to those who entered romantic relationships. Results indicated that young adults who remained single over time faced a substantial decline in life satisfaction, with feelings of loneliness becoming increasingly pronounced in their late twenties—a period when symptoms of depression also tend to rise.

Krämer noted, “Overall, our findings show that remaining single for a prolonged period in young adulthood is associated with moderate risks to well-being.” Interestingly, while those who entered their first romantic relationship reported immediate improvements in life satisfaction and reduced loneliness, no significant changes were observed regarding depressive symptoms.

The research also suggests that the challenges of entering a first relationship may escalate as individuals age. The differences in well-being between long-term singles and those who partnered later became more significant the longer singlehood continued. “This suggests that entering a first relationship may become more difficult when people are in their late twenties—especially since lower well-being also increases the likelihood of remaining single for longer,” Krämer added.

The study, titled “Life Satisfaction, Loneliness, and Depressivity in Consistently Single Young Adults in Germany and the UK,” is set to be published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in 2026. The research not only sheds light on the psychological effects of prolonged singlehood but also emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of young adults’ relationship choices in contemporary society.