The Complexity of Singlehood - Desire for a Partner - Gender and Age Differences - Abstract

Sep 29, 2026

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Singlehood is often judged through stereotypes that assume people without romantic partners are less happy and less fulfilled. This paper challenges that framing by analyzing diverse singlehood experiences and what shapes satisfaction among those currently unpartnered. Using autoregressive models with longitudinal German Aging Survey data (ages 40–85), the study tests how desire for a romantic partner varies by gender and age. Results show a significant negative link between partner desire and singlehood satisfaction, with women and older adults expressing less desire.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

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Pages2

Reading Time5 min

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Abstract

Research question and approach

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606 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.2079 THE COMPLEXITY OF SINGLEHOOD: DESIRE FOR A PARTNER, GENDER, AND AGE DIFFERENCES Amy Rauer1, Nadja Kelle2, and Oliver Huxhold2, 1. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States, 2. German Centre of Gerontology, Berlin, Berlin, Germany Singlehood is often framed through societal stereotypes that portray singles as less happy or living a less fulfilled life than individuals in romantic relationships. However, this paper challenges such narratives by examining the diverse experiences of singlehood and the factors influencing satisfaction with being single. Using autoregressive models on longitudinal data from the German Aging Survey—a representative study of the German population aged 40 to 85—this study explores the role of the desire for a romantic partner, alongside gender and age, in shaping satisfaction with singlehood among the currently unpartnered.The findings reveal a significant negative association between the desire for a partner and satisfaction with singlehood across midlife and late adulthood. Furthermore, women and older individuals were less likely to express a desire for a partner than men and younger individuals. Interaction effects for gender and age did not moderate the association between desire for a partner Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 607 and satisfaction with singlehood, suggesting a stable influence across demographics. Further analyses will incorporate relevant social factors, such as levels of social support and experiences of social exclusion, to investigate their role in satisfaction with singlehood. This study highlights the complexity of singlehood, showing that it is perceived negatively only when individuals desire a romantic partner—a desire less common among women and older individuals. This variation in partner-seeking helps explain differences in satisfaction with singlehood. The findings emphasize the need to challenge societal perceptions, advocating for a more nuanced and positive understanding of single life.

FAQs

How does the paper frame singlehood compared with common stereotypes?

It argues that societal stereotypes often portray single people as less happy, and it examines evidence showing more nuanced patterns in satisfaction among those unpartnered.

What data and method are used to study satisfaction with singlehood?

The study applies autoregressive models to longitudinal German Aging Survey data covering a representative population aged 40 to 85.

What relationship is found between desire for a partner and satisfaction with singlehood?

There is a significant negative association: stronger desire for a romantic partner corresponds to lower satisfaction with being single.

Do gender and age interaction effects change the influence of partner desire?

Interaction effects between gender and age do not moderate the association, suggesting the effect of desire is stable across demographics.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Jiven