Staying Single Could Be Harmful to Your Health, Study Suggests

According to a report by Independent (UK) on Monday, January 19, 2026, new research suggests that remaining single for long periods, especially during young adulthood, may negatively affect both mental and physical health.

The report explains that many young Americans, particularly those in Generation Z, are increasingly avoiding romantic relationships. Studies show that Gen Z teenagers are much less likely to have been in a relationship compared to older generations such as Gen X and Baby Boomers. A 2023 survey revealed a sharp drop in teen dating, while a 2025 study found that more than 40 percent of Gen Z men had no romantic experience during their teenage years. As a result, Gen Z has been described as the loneliest generation in recent national surveys.

A new analysis involving over 17,000 teenagers and young adults from Germany and the United Kingdom found that people who stay single for a long time tend to experience growing loneliness and reduced satisfaction with life. Researchers noted that these challenges often become more noticeable in the late twenties, a period when symptoms of depression commonly increase.

Michael Krämer, a senior researcher involved in the study, said the findings show that prolonged singlehood in young adulthood is linked to moderate risks to overall well-being.

Education and Staying Single

The study focused on individuals aged 16 to 29 and found that certain factors increase the likelihood of remaining single for longer. These include being male, having a higher level of education, experiencing lower emotional well-being, and living alone or with a parent. Researchers noted that both social factors, such as education, and psychological factors, such as mental health, influence whether people enter romantic relationships. The findings also support earlier research suggesting that focusing heavily on education can delay committed relationships.

Why First Relationships Matter

The researchers also highlighted the importance of a first romantic relationship. Participants who entered their first partnership reported feeling happier and less lonely, both in the short and long term. However, the study showed that the longer people delay entering their first relationship, the longer they tend to remain single. Experts say forming a first relationship may become more difficult in the late twenties, especially for those already struggling with lower well-being.

The Health Risks of Loneliness

Loneliness has long been linked to serious health problems. Medical experts say it increases stress hormone levels in the body, which can raise the risk of heart disease, weakened immunity, and blood vessel issues. Other health risks associated with loneliness include high blood pressure, diabetes, dementia, stroke, suicide, and early death.

Psychologists warn that loneliness places extreme stress on the body and can cause people to neglect proper self-care, leading to long-term health challenges.