Inflation anxieties negatively impacting sexual and social experiences, according to a recent study
In mid-2025, inflation in Germany eased to around 2.0%, providing some relief from the economic pressures that have been affecting various aspects of social and family life. However, the lingering effects of inflation are still being felt indirectly through increased food prices and overall cost of living.
Recent surveys suggest that more than half of Germans believe energy prices have increased, contrary to the 3.5% decrease reported by the Federal Statistical Office. This discrepancy may be due to a pessimistic mood that has solidified over the years, with responses partly based on false assumptions.
The impact of inflation on mental health varies across age groups. While about 34% of Germans aged 55 and older reported that inflation worries had no impact on their emotional well-being, financial concerns stemming from inflation and economic instability can worsen psychological distress. This distress may be more pronounced among vulnerable groups facing economic hardship, such as young adults aged 18 to 24, who are most affected by the negative impact on friendships, and women and adults aged 25 to 34, who are most affected by feelings of anxiety and stress.
On family planning, economic hardship factors, including low income, job insecurity, inflation, price hikes, and insufficient welfare support, play a critical role in decisions to become parents. Inflation contributes to this economic instability, making some potential parents more hesitant or delaying childbearing due to financial insecurity and worries about affordability of raising children. Among adults aged 25 to 44, one in ten has adjusted their family planning due to the economic situation, wanting fewer children. Seven percent of the same age group have postponed their desire to have children.
Older adults, those over 55, are particularly resilient to the impacts of inflation. However, more than half of adults in Germany are going out to restaurants, cinemas, or theaters less often than before due to inflation. Around 18% report a lower self-esteem because they can afford less, and over a third report that inflation has not affected their well-being.
Inflation's impact on services is also a concern, with almost as many respondents believing services have become more expensive, while they have increased by less according to the Federal Statistical Office. Three-quarters of respondents believe food has become more expensive compared to last year, while it has actually increased by 2.0% according to the Office.
In summary, while inflation in Germany has recently moderated, its impact persists through increased living costs, affecting mental health (with varied psychological resilience in different age groups) and leading to more cautious family planning decisions due to economic uncertainties and welfare insufficiencies. The highest inflation rate in Germany since reunification was measured nearly three years ago, in October and November 2022, at 8.8%. As the country continues to navigate these economic challenges, it remains crucial to address the indirect impacts of inflation on social and family life.
What about the impact of increased finance costs on lifestyle choices and relationships? Given the findings that more than half of Germans are going out less often due to inflation, it could be inferred that their social activities could potentially be affected, possibly leading to adjustments in relationships. Additionally, the economic hardship faced by some, particularly young adults and women aged 25 to 34, could strain existing relationships as they grapple with feelings of anxiety and stress.
