Why people face difficulties in attracting mates: An investigation of 17 probable predictors of involuntary singlehood

People living in contemporary post-industrial societies frequently find themselves being single without wanting so, and the current research aimed to understand the reasons why. In particular, we aimed to examine the effects of 17 probable predictors of involuntary singlehood on a sample of 1432 Greek-speaking participants. For women, we found that poor flirting capacity, poor sexual functioning, high choosiness, and low agreeableness were associated with higher probability to be involuntarily single than in a relationship or married. Moreover, shyness, agreeableness, sexual functioning, and choosiness had indirect effects. In addition, high choosiness was associated with more years being single. For men, poor flirting capacity, higher neuroticism, lower self-perceived mate value, lower self-esteem, and not having children from previous relationships were associated with higher probability to be involuntarily single than in an intimate relationship or married. Furthermore, conscientious-ness, sexual functioning, self-perceived looks, and BMI had indirect effects. Additionally, lower mating effort, low self-perceived mate value, and poor flirting capacity were associated with more years being single.

Automated summary

This study aimed to understand the reasons for involuntary singlehood in contemporary post-industrial societies. The findings showed that for women, poor flirting capacity, poor sexual functioning, high choosiness, and low agreeableness were associated with a higher probability of being involuntarily single. For men, poor flirting capacity, higher neuroticism, lower self-perceived mate value, lower self-esteem, and not having children from previous relationships were associated with a higher probability of being involuntarily single.