Long-Term Singlehood Linked to Declining Well-Being in Youth

A recent study led by the University of Zurich suggests that staying single for extended periods negatively impacts the well-being of young adults. The research, published on January 14, 2026, in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, analyzed data from over 17,000 individuals aged 16 to 29 in Germany and the United Kingdom who had no prior relationship experience at the beginning of the study.

The research team, headed by Michael Krämer, a senior researcher in the Department of Psychology at UZH, aimed to identify factors that contribute to prolonged singlehood among young adults. The findings indicate that men, highly educated individuals, and those experiencing lower well-being are more likely to remain single for longer durations. Krämer noted, “Our results demonstrate that both sociodemographic 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.”

Impact of Long-Term Singlehood on Well-Being

The study further explored how consistent singlehood affects life satisfaction, loneliness, and depression levels among young adults. It revealed that those who remain single for an extended period tend to experience a significant decline in their overall life satisfaction and an increase in feelings of loneliness over time. These trends become especially pronounced as individuals approach their late twenties, coinciding with a rise in depressive symptoms. Notably, the patterns observed were similar for both men and women.

Krämer emphasized that the research indicates a correlation between longer singlehood and moderate risks to well-being. While differences between long-term singles and those who later enter relationships are minimal during adolescence, they grow more substantial with time. “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,” he added.

The Positive Effects of First Romantic Relationships

The research team also investigated the effects of entering a first romantic relationship on young people’s well-being. The results showed that once individuals began their first partnership, they reported improvements across various dimensions of well-being, including higher life satisfaction and reduced feelings of loneliness. Interestingly, the study did not find a significant impact on depressive symptoms.

Krämer concluded, “Overall, our findings show that remaining single for a prolonged period in young adulthood is associated with moderate risks to well-being.” As society increasingly embraces the concept of singlehood as a valid lifestyle choice, the study highlights the importance of understanding the potential emotional and psychological consequences of prolonged singlehood among youth.

This research provides valuable insights into the relationship dynamics of young adults, emphasizing the need for a balanced perspective on the benefits and challenges of being single in today’s world.