New research from European academics has delivered a stark warning about the long-term effects of remaining single during young adulthood, linking it to a significant rise in loneliness and a marked decline in overall well-being.
The Loneliness Link: Prolonged Singlehood's Impact
The analysis, conducted by researchers at the University of Zurich in Switzerland, examined data from more than 17,000 teenagers and young adults in both Germany and the United Kingdom. The findings indicate that individuals who stay single over an extended period experience not only increasing feelings of isolation but also a greater downturn in their satisfaction with life.
Michael Krämer, a senior researcher on the project, summarised the results. "Overall, our findings show that remaining single for a prolonged period in young adulthood is associated with moderate risks to well-being," he stated. The study highlights that these deficits in personal wellness become more pronounced as people approach their late twenties, a life stage when symptoms of depression typically see an increase.
Who is Most Likely to Remain Single?
The research, which focused on participants aged 16 to 29, identified several key factors that predict longer periods of singlehood. It found that men, individuals with higher education levels, those reporting lower current well-being, and people living alone or with a parent were more likely to remain unattached for longer durations.
"Our results demonstrate that both socio-demographic factors such as education and psychological characteristics such as current well-being help predict who will enter into a romantic relationship and who won’t," Krämer explained. This supports earlier studies suggesting a connection between prioritising educational pursuits and delaying committed partnerships.
The Critical Role of a First Relationship
A crucial discovery of the study concerns the importance of a first serious partnership. Respondents who entered their initial committed relationship reported higher life satisfaction and felt less lonely, benefits that persisted in both the short and long term. However, the research also uncovered a concerning trend: the longer a person waits to begin a first relationship, the longer their period of singlehood tends to last.
"This suggests that entering a first relationship may become more difficult when people are in their late 20s – especially since lower well-being also increases the likelihood of remaining single for longer," Krämer noted, pointing to a potential cycle that can be hard to break.
A Growing Generational Trend and Serious Health Consequences
This European research echoes concerning trends observed in the United States. A 2023 poll from the Survey Center on American Life found that the number of Gen Zers (born 1997-2012) who had been in a relationship as a teenager was 20% lower than Gen X and 22% lower than Baby Boomers. Furthermore, a 2025 study by the American Institute for Boys and Men indicated over 40% of Gen Z men reported no romantic experience as teens last year. Recent national surveys have even labelled Generation Z as the "loneliest generation."
The health implications of this rising loneliness are severe and well-documented by medical professionals. Chronic loneliness elevates levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which in turn raises the risk for vascular issues, immune system dysfunction, and heart problems.
Additional serious health risks associated with prolonged loneliness include:
- High blood pressure and stroke
- Increased risk of dementia
- Higher susceptibility to diabetes
- Greater risk of suicide and premature death
Dr. Adam Borland, a psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic, emphasised the physical toll. "We know the effect stress has on the body and loneliness is extremely stressful," he said. "If we’re experiencing loneliness, we don’t necessarily take care of ourselves the way we should. And that can lead to health issues."
The collective evidence presents a clear public health challenge, suggesting that supporting young adults in forming meaningful social and romantic connections may have profound benefits for both individual and societal well-being.
