A recent analysis published in the journal Psychological Science found notable differences in life satisfaction and personality traits between lifelong singles and partnered individuals, according to Index. The study, which was the first cross-cultural examination of lifelong singles, surveyed over 77,000 people aged 50 years or above across 27 European countries, as reported by Science Daily.
The New York Post, O Globo, and Economic Times reported on the study, among other websites.
Researchers compared single and partnered individuals based on life satisfaction ratings and the Big Five personality traits: openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. The findings indicated that lifelong singles generally showed lower levels of life satisfaction compared to those who had experienced partnership.
"When there are differences, they might be especially important in elderly people who face more health issues and financial issues. They need more help, and the help is usually the partner," said Julia Stern, lead author and senior researcher at the University of Bremen.
The study found consistent disparities in personality traits. Lifelong singles scored lower in extraversion, conscientiousness, and life satisfaction compared to ever-partnered individuals. Those who had never experienced any serious relationship scored lower in extraversion, openness to experience, and life satisfaction compared to both currently single people with previous relationship experience and those in current partnerships.
Gender emerged as a factor. Single women scored higher in life satisfaction than single men, a trend observed across different age groups, according to Science Daily. Additionally, older singles tended to be happier with their single status compared to middle-aged singles. The findings suggest greater acceptance of singlehood as individuals move beyond life stages where peers typically marry and start families.
The researchers explored whether personality differences are due to selection effects or socialization. While they could not say with certainty, evidence suggested that selection effects play a primary role. "It's more likely you have these selection effects: For example, people who are more extraverted are more likely to enter a relationship," concluded Stern, emphasizing that these are average effects that don't describe everyone's experience.
The study underscores the need for better support networks tailored to older singles facing health and financial issues. Stern advocates for developing new programs to prevent loneliness that consider personality traits and help older singles meet like-minded people. "We have to take special care of these people. If they have people who care about them or who check on them regularly, that could help," she said.
Despite observed differences, the researchers noted that personality changes resulting from relationships tend to be temporary and minimal. "Personality changes from relationships tend to be temporary and minimal," noted Stern.
The study also revealed variations across different European countries. In nations with higher marriage rates, particularly in Southern Europe, singles generally felt less happy, though the effects were small. The research team utilized data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), allowing them to account for differences across countries and cultures.
Participants classified their marital status by indicating whether they were currently in a relationship, had never lived with a partner, had never married, or had never had a long-term relationship. The vast majority of participants—87.9%—were parents, with 57.1% women and 42.9% men.
The researchers emphasized that while their findings reflect trends, they do not describe everyone's experience. "There are single extraverts and introverts in committed relationships," noted Stern.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.