How do psychologically mature people act? 10 keys

The expression "being immature" is a label that is used very commonly to describe those people who in any of their vital areas do not develop in a coherent, competent or stable. Although this type of personal functioning is maladaptive, it does not exist as a specific category in the current classification system for mental disorders, the DSM-V. However, this behavioral and attitudinal style may be present in an underlying way as a common element in various personality disorders.

Yes indeed; in the same way that we can speak, using everyday language, of immature people, it is also possible to talk about psychologically mature people. Let's see what characterizes them.

• Related article: "The 9 stages of human life"

The mature personality style

For the psychiatrist and expert Enrique Rojas (2001) there are three areas to which the so-called state of personal maturity can be circumscribed: affective, intellectual and professional. In terms of the author, maturity is a state of knowledge and good judgment, prudence and knowing

, which has been achieved and which leads to positively managing one's own psychology. In this way, a person who is in this state has an adequate level of ability to conduct his life competently and effectively on an emotional level.

A key aspect is to understand this construct as a dynamic process, a phenomenon that does not present a specific purpose or destination, but is constantly and permanently modulated throughout the cycle vital. Therefore, the idea that there is a perfect and ideal degree of personal maturity to reach and maintain statically must be banished.

Neuroanatomical keys to psychological maturity

When referring to the neuroanatomical development of different structures and connections that make up the human brain, countless investigations have shown how the areas of the frontal lobes have a central role in behavior related to decision making, the ability to plan future events, flexibility to when carrying out complex reasoning in problem solving and improvising and adopting adaptive or flexible behavior, etc.

These competencies seem closely tied to the definition indicated above of what a mature personal style implies; They are the abilities that give the human being such a category and differentiate it from other less intellectually developed animal species.

Scientific studies have determined that these frontal areas do not reach their full development until well into the third decade of life, approximately 25 years old. In addition, the studies that have supported the knowledge that today is had about the concept of emotional intelligence, also closely linked to question of personal maturity, they affirm how determining is the neural circuitry established between the frontal lobe and the structures of the limbic system, whose function is the regulation of emotional states.

Broadly speaking, it can be said that the latter is in charge of controlling the most instinctive physiological responses of stress, anger or fear and intervenes in motivational processes and learning more complex behaviors and elaborated on the basis of past experiences. In contrast, the orbitofrontal zone modulates feelings analytically and gives orders on how to behave behaviorally. when information is received from the limbic system as the individual is experiencing an emotional state determined. Failures in the connections between the two areas cause unreflective, excessive and socially maladjusted responses.

A classic example that explains this phenomenon is found in the literature that founded the development of neuroscience as such: the case of Phineas gage (1948), a foreman who worked in the construction of railways and who suffered serious alterations in the personality after an impressive accident in which a metal rod completely pierced his brain in the front part.

• You may be interested: "Parts of the human brain (and functions)"

Main characteristics of psychologically mature people

What has been exposed so far seems to indicate a great relationship between the constructs of personal maturity, competence in emotional regulation and the affective world in general. In this sense, individuals who have a good level of maturity in the field of feelings They skillfully perform in the following skills (Rojas, 2001):

1. Know the nature of the emotional world

That is, psychologically mature people are capable of observe themselves and associate situations or events with emotional experiences.

2. Establish a solid foundation in the sentimental area

This quality refers to the fact of having experienced the feeling of love in its depth and to know the implications and necessary commitments for the maintenance of such a loving relationship.

3. Possess a realistic view of the partner

Avoiding idealizations and biased perceptions of the other is essential. Having too high expectations of the relationship and of the other member of the couple makes it difficult to positively resolve adversities or disagreements that may arise between the two.

4. Consider the other person and the relationship as one more part of life

Emotional independence from others is closely linked to a good level of self-esteem and self-confidence, a fundamental fact in establishing healthy interpersonal relationships.

5. Understand the dynamic nature of emotions and feelings

This implies considering that these phenomena are mutable and modifiable over time and that it is necessary to carry out daily actions and behaviors that constantly feed them positively.

6. Being able to give and receive love in a healthy way

This point implies having the ability to communicate affect with verbalizations and actions, as well as being aware that this fact is part of human nature. Indeed, a mature person understands that they are intrinsically deserving of affection from the other person and therefore you want to correspond to this in the same way.

7. Be prepared to build a joint project with another person

Mainly, this aspect implies sharing areas of one's life with another individual in a satisfactory and also have the competence and commitment to want to solve possible conflicts that may arise in your course.

8. Have sufficient qualities of intelligence, will and commitment

These three qualities imply the ability to find the balance between the achievement of one's own life goals and those common to the couple. The latter must be shared by both members on a voluntary basis, so effective communication between the two parties it becomes a fundamental and necessary aspect.

9. Maintain the long-term feeling of love

It is important to become aware that it is positive not to fall into a succession of superficial infatuation phases. This point is closely linked to the previous one regarding the level of commitment required so that said sentimental project has a satisfactory continuity.

10. Self-regulate

Finally, it is important to internalize that oneself can learn to internally regulate their emotions and feelings. Closely related to the first point, a mature individual is capable of not being carried away by her emotions and is competent by identifying them, communicating them and analyzing them rationally in order to achieve a more final behavior adaptive.

In conclusion

It has been observed throughout the text that, broadly speaking, a psychologically mature person possesses the qualities of emotional intelligence; sense of commitment, responsibility and effort; a rational and regulated style of operation (intra and interpersonal) where the world of emotions is balanced with respect to the world of the cognitive; and, finally, a sufficient degree of ethical and moral behavior.

In addition, aspects such as having a good level of competence in one's own knowledge are also relevant ingredients, where strengths and weaknesses are assumed; an adequate capacity to analyze, reflect and make decisions in a coherent way and based on solid arguments; Y a positive development of self-image in which emotional independence from the other is the main component.

Bibliographic references:

• Pereda, I. (2018) The map of the brain. Bonalletra Alcompas, S.L.: Spain.
• Rojas, E. (2001) Who are you? From personality to self-esteem (4th ed.) Today's Topics: Madrid.