Why are so many young people single?

An increasing number of young Brits are single. Many of these people don’t want to be single. They want to be in a relationship. But, for some reason or other, they’re having no luck. Why? What’s holding them back?

A recent study shed light on the factors that contribute to involuntary singlehood in Britain and beyond. The researchers, two psychologists based in Cyprus, explored the impact of sexual functioning, body weight, and whether or not an individual had children from a previous relationship, and how all three affect a person’s relationship status. The findings were published in Evolutionary Psychological Science.

Interestingly, the duo found that poorer sexual functioning was associated with the highest probability of becoming involuntarily single. Sexual dysfunction occurs when an individual has a problem that prevents him or her from desiring or enjoying sexual activity. A number of factors contribute to sexual dysfunction, including depression and anxiety.