Empirical research comparing life satisfaction among both couples and singles is sparse. This study investigates the life satisfaction of couples and singles in diverse life situations in Malta.

A net sample of 2,469 adults was recruited through quota sampling, stratifying by sex, residing with partner or not, and whether one had dependent children. A semi-structured questionnaire was employed to collect data through computer assisted telephone interviews (CATI).

No significant differences were found between life satisfaction scores for men and women (p > .05); whether one has children or not (p > .05); and one’s region of residence (p > .05). Those with tertiary education reported higher life satisfaction than those with primary level (p = 0.011). Significant differences also existed by civil status (p <0.001) where the married reported highest levels of satisfaction, followed by single, separated, widowed and divorced persons.

Income adequacy predicted life satisfaction for both those in relationship (p <0.001) and those who were single (p<0.001). Satisfaction for those in relationship was also predicted by relationship quality (p < 0.001) and being married (p = 0.008). Satisfaction for singles was also predicted by ‘everything is going well for me and my family’ (p < 0.001) and type of lifestyle.

Dissatisfaction with life was predicted for both groups by conflict in personal relationships, problems at work, and facing big problems at present (all p <0.001). Insufficient financial resources, problems with health and mental health also predicted dissatisfaction for those in relationships (all p <0.001).

Financial hardship is a well known stressor for relationship harmony. This study explored the link between perceived income adequacy, demographic factors, and lifestyle and relationship satisfaction and management of couples and singles resident in Malta. It was part of a larger 2015 relationships study, conducted by the National Centre for Family Research, where a random stratified sample of 2469 adults aged 18 to 81 completed a 33-item questionnaire using computer-assisted telephone interviews. Descriptive and relational analyses revealed that 46% of the respondents claimed to have adequate or more than adequate income to cover daily expenses, with older adults (p<0.001), men (p=0.001), and those who were married (p<0.001), in a relationship (p<0.001), childless (p<0.001) and from the Northern region (p<0.001) declaring higher adequacy levels. Perceived income adequacy predicted life satisfaction among both singles and those in a relationship (p<0.001). Specifically, 25.8% of couples where both partners were on unemployment benefits reported being dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with their life. Significant differences also emerged for relationship satisfaction. 28.4% of those reporting serious financial difficulties rated their relationship as negative or very negative, compared to 3.4% of those reporting minor financial difficulties (p<0.001). Indeed, financial insecurity was among the top five features considered by couples as detrimental to their relationship. Perceived income adequacy was also positively related to level of agreement between couples on family finances, recreation and child-rearing practices (all p<0.001), as well as the extent to which the couple felt they neglected their relationship due to heavy work pressures (p=0.015).

In this research, we hope to gain valuable information on identifying the phenomenon of men suffering unwanted singleness. The effects of couple relationships on health are widely acknowledged. Eija-Maarit Ojala's and Osmo Kontula's (2002, 99) research on Finns living alone states that specially women have difficulties in finding an appropriate partner and establishing a relationship. Pakarinkangas (2004;2007) states that men find partners more easily and are more willing to establish new relationships. For men, living alone is more challenging than it is for women. This leaves men without relationship as the odd ones breaking the norm. This can further worsen the experience of unwanted singleness. Especially for men, a relationship predicts enhanced physical health and prolonged lifetime. Earlier studies have often focused on individual differences and qualities. In this study, the viewpoint is sociological; we focus on identifying both the structures and attitudes supporting and possibly preventing the forming of relationships. We ask who is suffering from unwanted singleness, what are the relationship expectations and how loneliness and unwanted singleness are interconnected. We also investigate the trends in the past 25 years. The sample for this study consists of representative 2500 Finnish men who took part in The National Study of Human Relations, Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles in Finland (FINSEX). The respondents are asked a wide range of subjects including their relationship status, experiences of loneliness, ideal relationship type and difficulties in finding a partner. The analysis is restricted to men between the ages of 25 and 64.

Expectations from partner is one of the factors plays an important role in the quality of the couples’ relations and their satisfaction of marital lives. This study aimed to understand the Iranian women’s expectations from their husbands and discover generational differences. Using grounded theory method and qualitative deep semi-structured interviews, we investigated the differences between 9 mothers and 9 girls. The sample, that at least one year of their marriages has passed, was selected from one of the areas of Tehran, Iran.

The phase analysis of the respondents indicated that their expectations were based on underlying and intervention conditions, such as individualism, family circumstances, the way of their marriage and normative-structural pressures, employment condition, group relations and social-cultural capitals. Finally, after comparing the actions and coping strategies, theoretical paradigms were obtained separately for mothers (first generation) and daughters (second generation), for mothers the concept of "trying to survive" and for girls “transition from a lower social status to the superior one" were important.

Results showed that mothers, due to the minimal available resources, have adopted a passive approach to preserve their lives. While girls with a pronounced generational transition, due to changes in methods of accessing to sources of power, have thought about higher levels for their personal lives and planed for social status transition. This means that new generation’s expectations can be specified in a tangible shift and is due to broader social changes.