Higher Income Linked to Relationship Readiness, Study Finds

Research indicates that financial stability may enhance single individuals’ readiness for romantic relationships. A pair of studies conducted by psychologists Geoff MacDonald from the University of Toronto and Johanna Peetz from Carleton University reveal that higher income correlates with a greater likelihood of wanting and entering relationships. The findings, published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, draw on data from over 4,800 single individuals across the United States and Germany.

The research highlights that individuals with increased financial resources tend to hold more positive attitudes towards relationships. They also feel more prepared to start a partnership. “I think that young people are making rational calculations in unstable economic conditions,” MacDonald stated. He noted that many people recognize that balancing a demanding job with personal relationships can be challenging, particularly in today’s fast-paced world.

Implications for Relationship Dynamics

The implications of this research extend beyond individual relationships, as it may influence public policy decisions. MacDonald suggests that financial stability impacts significant long-term decisions such as partnering and marriage, which are increasingly relevant in discussions about declining birth rates and rising feelings of loneliness. “People may not want to take the step towards commitment until they have that economic foundation,” he added.

While the studies indicate a positive relationship between income and relationship-seeking behavior, they found no direct correlation between higher income and satisfaction with singlehood. This raises interesting questions about how individuals perceive their life stages. MacDonald proposes that a good income may enhance the experience of being single but could also signal a transition to a phase where companionship is deemed essential for fulfillment.

Future Research Directions

Although the current study did not include participants from Canada, MacDonald believes the findings could be applicable there, given its cultural similarities to both the United States and Germany. To build on this research, MacDonald and Peetz recommend further investigation into how various socioeconomic factors—such as unemployment rates, debt levels, and housing affordability—affect relationship readiness and initiation.

The findings from this research shed light on the complex interplay between financial status and relationship dynamics, reinforcing the notion that economic considerations significantly shape personal decisions. As society grapples with issues like loneliness and relationship formation, understanding these influences could inform more effective public policies aimed at fostering healthy social connections.

For more information, refer to the study by Johanna Peetz et al, titled “Making (Enough for) Love: The Association of Income and Relationship Readiness” published in the Journal of Marriage and Family on July 25, 2025.