Smarter, but lonely: The surprising truth about people who have never had sex

A surprising study reveals that adults who have never had sexual intercourse tend to be more educated than their sexually experienced counterparts. The research, a collaboration between the University of Amsterdam, the University of Queensland, and the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics, analyzed data from over 400,000 Britons aged 39 to 73.

Approximately one percent of respondents reported never having had sexual relations. This group demonstrated significantly higher educational attainment. However, this academic advantage comes with a trade-off: individuals without sexual experience are, on average, lonelier, more nervous, and less happy than those who are sexually active.

The study also noted that celibacy is more prevalent in regions with significant income disparities. Men who have never had sex are more likely to face physical challenges that hinder forming partnerships, such as being physically weaker or living in areas with a shortage of women.

Researchers suggest that around 15 percent of the differences between sexually experienced and inexperienced individuals have genetic roots, including intelligence and neurological development factors. Conversely, those without sexual experience tend to engage in fewer risky behaviors, consuming less alcohol and using fewer drugs. Lead researcher Karin Verweij emphasized that environment, personality, and genetics all contribute to celibacy, indicating it's a complex interplay rather than a simple choice.

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Our results show that environment, personality, and genetics play an important role.