Romantic relationships can have a profound impact on an individual's personality and behaviour, often shaping traits in meaningful ways. But what about those who have remained single throughout their lives? A study published in Psychological Science sought to explore the personality differences and levels of life satisfaction between lifelong singles and those who have been in relationships.

Life satisfaction differences

The research team analyzed data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), a large-scale panel study with over 77,000 participants ranging in age from 22 to 105 years.

The findings revealed that lifelong singles generally reported lower levels of life satisfaction compared to those who had been in relationships, particularly among individuals who had never been in a relationship. However, the study also noted that singles with a strong, high income appeared to experience less of a decline in life satisfaction, suggesting that financial stability can offer some relief.

Behavioural differences

The study found that lifelong singles tend to score lower in extraversion and conscientiousness compared to those who have been in relationships. Extraversion refers to how outgoing and social a person is, while conscientiousness relates to their level of organization and responsibility. These traits were particularly pronounced among older singles, who may also face additional challenges such as health or financial difficulties.

The researchers emphasized the importance of tailored social support networks, especially for older lifelong singles who may be more vulnerable to isolation or lack of assistance. The decline in life satisfaction is notably more significant among older individuals who have remained single, highlighting the need for stronger support systems for them.

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