A recent study from the University of Zurich has sparked debate by suggesting that people with higher intelligence levels often remain single for longer periods. The findings add fuel to The condescending explanation science gives for why some singles can’t sustain relationships, a theory that has left many questioning whether being smart is actually a disadvantage in modern dating.
“Our results show that both socio-demographic factors like education and psychological traits such as well-being can help predict who enters romantic relationships and who does not,” explained co-lead author Michael Krämer. The research was published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
A Growing Relationship Gap
These findings come at a time when relationships appear to be in decline. Over the last five decades, the number of Americans aged 25 to 34 living without a spouse or romantic partner has doubled. Today, around 50% of men and 41% of women in this age group are single, according to data cited by The Economist.
To understand why some people remain unattached longer than others, researchers followed more than 17,000 participants from the UK and Germany. The study began with 16-year-olds who had never been in a relationship and tracked them until age 29, collecting data on their personal traits, education, and living situations.
Who Is Most at Risk of Staying Single?
The results revealed several unexpected predictors of long-term singledom. Young men with higher education levels, lower overall well-being, and those living alone or with their parents were more likely to stay single into their late 20s. Interestingly, the study also suggested that living with friends or flatmates might actually improve one’s chances of finding a romantic partner.
While the researchers didn’t pinpoint exactly why more educated or intelligent individuals may struggle to form lasting relationships, their conclusions stand in contrast to a 2018 study that found smarter people were more likely to marry and stay married.
The Emotional Cost of Staying Single
In a follow-up analysis, the research team examined how prolonged singledom affected mental health. They tracked changes in life satisfaction, loneliness, and depression among single participants compared to those who entered relationships.
The pattern was clear: individuals who remained single for longer periods experienced declining life satisfaction and increasing loneliness. These effects became more pronounced in the late 20s, alongside rising levels of depression. Notably, the trend affected both men and women equally.
The good news? Participants who entered their first romantic relationship showed significant improvements in well-being shortly afterward.
Why Timing Matters in Relationships
Dr. Krämer summarized the findings by noting that “remaining single for a prolonged period in young adulthood is associated with moderate risks to well-being.” The study also suggested that the longer someone stays single, the harder it becomes to start their first relationship, particularly as they move deeper into their 20s.
Ultimately, while intelligence and education may offer many advantages in life, this research highlights a more nuanced — and somewhat controversial — view of modern dating. Whether or not one agrees with The condescending explanation science gives for why some singles can’t sustain relationships, the study underscores the complex interplay between relationships, timing, and mental well-being in young adulthood.
