A recent study by the University of Zurich, Switzerland, highlights an inverse relationship between intelligence and romantic relationships, particularly affecting highly educated individuals. The research indicates that people with higher academic qualifications, especially men, are prone to prolonged singleness and a noticeable decline in happiness as they near 30 years old.

This finding emerges amidst a significant increase in the number of young Europeans (aged 25-34) not living with a partner over the past 50 years, with rates reaching 50% for men and 41% for women. Prompted by this trend, a team led by Doctor Michael Krämer at the University of Zurich initiated a study to investigate the underlying causes. They tracked over 17,000 individuals in the UK and Germany from the age of 16 (before their first relationship) until they reached 29 years old. Results, published early this year, revealed that higher educational attainment correlated with a lower likelihood of starting a relationship.

Illustration: Charlie Health

High standards

The impact of this phenomenon shows clear gender differences. For women, a high intelligence quotient (IQ) is often inversely correlated with the likelihood of marriage. This aligns with a long-term study conducted in Aberdeen, Scotland, involving over 9,600 people, which found that single women generally possess a significantly higher IQ compared to their married counterparts, even after accounting for socioeconomic factors.

For men, the situation is more complex. Data from the British Household Panel Survey indicates that men with high IQs tend to marry later. A key reason cited is the difficulty they face in finding partners with comparable intellectual abilities.

Mensa, an organization for individuals in the top 2% of global IQ, conducted a survey that revealed its members consistently prioritize partners with equivalent intellectual capacity. This standard inadvertently narrows the dating pool, increasing the risk of prolonged singleness, especially among young, highly educated men.

The trap of pickiness

While singleness offers freedom, its prolonged duration can lead to negative consequences. Doctor Michael Krämer warns, "When singleness is prolonged, life satisfaction decreases, and feelings of loneliness and depression become more pronounced in the late 20s, elevating the risk to mental health."

Doctor Krämer suggests this situation creates a "detrimental cycle". Intelligent young adults often postpone relationships to focus on their careers or in anticipation of finding the perfect partner. However, as personal happiness declines due to loneliness, they find it even harder to attract others.

The study also indicates that individuals who enter their first relationship earlier generally report higher happiness scores. Conversely, as people age, initiating a first romantic relationship becomes increasingly difficult, potentially leading to extended periods of isolation.

Ngoc Ngan (According to NY Post, UZH)