Relationships boost well-being, especially for men.
New relationships boost well-being, especially in sexual satisfaction and loneliness. Men benefit more.
Why it matters
- Relationships modestly boost well-being.
- Biggest gains in sexual satisfaction, loneliness.
- Men and those desiring relationships benefit most.
By the numbers
- 3,100+ participants, six-month study.
- Big effects in sexual satisfaction, relationship status.
- Men saw larger life satisfaction increases than women.
The big picture
- Benefits mainly in partner-related life domains.
- Long-term effects unclear.
- Being single often stable for well-being.
What they're saying
- Gender differences may be small.
- Men may rely more on partners for support.
- Concerns about societal impacts of single men's emotional health.
Caveats
- Only six months studied.
- Can't prove causality due to unmeasured variables.
- Individual benefits vary.
What’s next
- Research on long-term relationship effects.
- More studies comparing single vs. partnered individuals.