A recent study from the University of Zurich indicates that long-term singles experience a significant decline in life satisfaction and an increase in feelings of loneliness and depression, particularly during their late twenties. This research draws on data from over 17,000 young adults in Germany and the United Kingdom, highlighting the emotional impacts of prolonged singlehood.
The researchers, led by Michael Krämer, a senior researcher at UZH’s Department of Psychology, found that socio-demographic factors such as education and psychological characteristics like current well-being play a crucial role in determining who remains single for extended periods. Men, individuals with higher education levels, and those living alone or with a parent were identified as more likely to stay single longer.
“Our results demonstrate that both socio-demographic factors and psychological characteristics help predict who will enter into a romantic relationship,” Krämer explained. The findings suggest that a stronger focus on education may lead to postponing committed relationships, aligning with previous sociological research.
Loneliness and Declining Well-Being
The study also examined how life satisfaction, loneliness, and depression develop among consistent singles compared to those who eventually enter romantic relationships. The results show that the longer individuals remain single, the more pronounced their decline in life satisfaction becomes, along with escalating feelings of loneliness. This trend is particularly evident as individuals approach their late twenties, a period marked by increasing symptoms of depression.
Both men and women exhibited similar patterns. The differences in well-being between long-term singles and those who partnered later became more significant over time. “This suggests that entering a first relationship may become more difficult as people reach their late twenties,” Krämer added.
The Positive Impact of First Relationships
The researchers also assessed the effect of a first romantic relationship on well-being. Their findings indicate that once young adults enter a partnership, they experience an improvement in life satisfaction and a reduction in loneliness, both in the short and long term. However, the study did not find a similar positive impact on depressive symptoms.
Overall, the study highlights that remaining single for an extended period during young adulthood is associated with moderate risks to well-being. While initial differences in well-being between long-term singles and those in relationships were minimal during adolescence, they grew significantly with prolonged singlehood.
The full study, titled “Life Satisfaction, Loneliness, and Depressivity in Consistently Single Young Adults in Germany and the UK,” by Michael Krämer et al., will be published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in March 2026. The research underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of singlehood in contemporary society, particularly as attitudes towards being single evolve.
