Partnerships as the key to life satisfaction: new study reveals!

Partnerships as the key to life satisfaction: new study reveals!

A current study by the Universities of Bielefeld, Greifswald and the University of Warwick examines the influence of civil partnerships on life satisfaction. Loud Bielefeld Current The analysis is based on data from the Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) in Germany and the British long-term study “Understanding Society” (UKHLS). A total of 1,103 people were examined who took the step from single life to a civil partnership.

The results show that, on average, life satisfaction increases particularly strongly in the year after moving in together. This positive effect on well-being lasts at least two years. The study also finds that the importance of marriage has decreased significantly compared to the 1980s and 1990s.

Factors of life satisfaction

Gaining life satisfaction is independent of age, gender, income or level of education. The transition into a committed relationship produces a lasting change in well-being. Even in times of digital media, partnerships remain central to individual well-being. Changes in life satisfaction have been studied extensively, both before and after transitioning into a relationship.

Loud bpb.de Both men and women achieved a high level of life satisfaction in the first year of the corona pandemic in 2020. This is a comprehensive assessment, but it only changes noticeably as a result of long-term crises. It's worth noting that men tended to be happier than women in the 1990s, while women came out on top in the 2010s and at the end of the pandemic.

After 2020, women's life satisfaction fell back to 2019 levels, while men's was just slightly lower. Positive aspects of the pandemic could have become apparent through federal government aid programs and protective measures.

Regional differences in life satisfaction

Life satisfaction in Germany has increased since 1990, although East Germans remain somewhat more dissatisfied than West Germans. Factors such as personal living circumstances, partnerships and professional situation have a direct impact on subjective well-being bpb.de reported.

Studies show that life satisfaction in East Germany initially increased since 1990, but reached a low point in 2004. From 2010 onwards, a similar development manifested itself in East and West Germany. Nevertheless, two thirds of East Germans describe their personal situation as having improved since 1990, while concerns about personal health and jobs are more pronounced.

In summary, research shows that life satisfaction depends not only on external and social factors, but also on personal life decisions and social support in relationships, which is essential for the further development of our society.