New Delhi, Dec 28 (NationPress) Individuals who opt for lifelong singleness might encounter both economic and medical setbacks compared to their married or long-term partnered counterparts, according to a recent study.
The research, published in the journal Psychological Science, indicates that single individuals generally report lower life satisfaction than those in relationships. It was found that those who are single exhibit different personality traits compared to those with partners.
These results highlight the necessity for establishing supportive networks specifically designed for single individuals. This is particularly important as people age and may increasingly depend on others, noted the research team from the University of Bremen in Germany.
Julia Stern, a lead author and senior researcher at the university, commented, “When there are differences, they might be especially important in elderly individuals who face more health and financial challenges.”
She further stated, “They require additional support, which is typically provided by a partner.”
In their study, the team analyzed life satisfaction ratings and the Big Five personality traits—openness to experience, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism—among 77,000 Europeans, both single and partnered.
The findings revealed that lifelong singles scored lower in life satisfaction, and exhibited traits such as being less extroverted, less conscientious, and less open to experience when compared to partnered individuals.
Additionally, the analysis showed that single women reported higher life satisfaction than their single male counterparts, while older singles appeared to be more content with their single status than middle-aged individuals.
While singles may attain greater happiness as they age, their lower satisfaction scores compared to those in relationships remain concerning. The research team proposed the need for new programs aimed at combating loneliness, tailored to these personality traits, to assist older singles in connecting with like-minded individuals.
