A detailed investigation analyzing the characteristics of over 77,000 Europeans aged 50 and older has brought to light the personality variances distinguishing individuals who have been single all their lives from those in enduring partnerships.
The findings, featured in the scholarly periodical “Psychological Science,” reveal that individuals who have never married tend to be less outgoing, diligent, and receptive to new experiences than their partnered peers.
The latest research suggests that although singles may experience greater contentment as they mature, their life satisfaction levels are typically lower compared to those with significant others.
Julia Stern, a proficient researcher at the University of Bremen and a principal contributor to the study, pointed out that lifelong singlehood impacts life fulfillment, underscoring the influence of cultural norms and the prevalent rates of marriage in different societies.
The research, which employed the Big Five personality dimensions as a framework, discloses that societal pressures to wed can affect singles’ contentment levels, albeit modestly.
The impact of these pressures appears to be more evident in societies with a higher frequency of marriage. Furthermore, the research unearthed that, within the group of single individuals, women reported feeling more satisfied with their lives than men did, and older singles exhibited a more optimistic view in comparison to middle-aged singles.
Stern articulated the importance of understanding these distinctions, especially in regard to the elderly, who are more likely to encounter health and economic issues. She stressed that partners often provide much-needed support in these cases. Diving deep into the many facets of being single, the study indicates that those who have never been in a significant partnership or who have never cohabited tend to be less extroverted, open, and satisfied with life than individuals who have experienced long-term relationships or marriage.
The investigation stops short of pinpointing whether personality disparities are inherent in individuals or are shaped through long-term relationships, but Stern tilts towards the idea that selection effects are the more probable cause. However, she also cautions against generalizing these average trends to every single individual.
Acknowledging the connection between personality traits, contentment in life, and health conditions, Stern advocates for the creation of specialized assistance initiatives aimed at addressing the unique needs of older singles.
Such measures could counteract loneliness and bolster their overall health and happiness. “Differences do exist between lifelong singles and those who’ve been in partnerships, indicating we need to provide additional support to these individuals,” Stern concluded.
The research underscores the significance of considering individual lifestyles in psychological assessments, and the imperative to support a demographic that is growing and often overlooked when it comes to tailor-made care.
