How do psychologically mature people act? 10 Keys

This is how, in general terms, truly mature people behave.

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

Just as we can speak, using everyday language, of immature people, it is also possible to speak about people who are psychologically immature, it is also possible to talk about psychologically mature people.. Let us see what characterizes them.

The mature personality style

For the psychiatrist and expert Enrique Rojas (2001) there are three scopes to which the denominated state of personal maturity can be circumscribed: the affective, the intellectual and the professional. In the author's terms, maturity is a state of knowledge and good judgment, prudence and knowledgewhich has been achieved and which leads to a positive management of one's own psychology. Thus, a person who is in this state has an adequate level of capacity to lead his or her 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 have a specific purpose or destination, but is constantly and permanently modulated throughout the life cycle. Therefore, the idea that there is a perfect and ideal degree of personal maturity to be reached and maintained in a static way must be banished.

Neuroanatomical keys to psychological maturity

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

These competencies seem closely linked to the above definition of what a mature personal style implies; they are the skills that give human beings such a category and differentiate them from other less intellectually developed animal species.

Scientific studies have determined that these frontal areas do not reach their full development do not reach their full development until well into the third decade of life, at approximately 25 years of age.approximately at the age of 25. Furthermore, the studies that have been the basis for the knowledge we have today on the concept of emotional intelligence, which is also closely linked to the question of personal maturity, affirm how decisive is the neuronal 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 responsible for controlling the more instinctive physiological responses of stress, anger or fear and is involved in the motivational processes and in learning of more complex and elaborate behaviors based on past and elaborated on the basis of past experiences. In contrast, the orbitofrontal area modulates feelings analytically and gives orders on how to proceed behaviorally when information is received from the limbic system as the individual is experiencing a particular emotional state. Failures in the connections between both areas cause thoughtless, disproportionate and socially maladaptive 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 working in railroad construction who suffered severe personality alterations after an impressive accident in which a metal rod completely pierced his brain in the frontal part.

Main characteristics of psychologically mature people.

What has been presented so far seems to indicate a strong relationship between the constructs of personal maturity, competence in emotional regulation and the affective world in general. In this sense, individuals who enjoy a good level of maturity in the realm of feelings are skilled in the following competencies (Rojas, 2001):

1. knowing the nature of the emotional world 2.

That is, psychologically mature people are capable of observing themselves and associating situations or events with emotional experiences. 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 depths and to and to know the implications and commitments necessary for the maintenance of such a love relationship. necessary for the maintenance of such a love relationship.

3. Possessing a realistic vision of the couple

Avoiding idealizations and biased perceptions of the other is essential. Having too high expectations of the relationship and of the other partner hinders the positive resolution of adversities or disagreements that may arise between the two partners.

4. Considering the other person and the relationship as just another part of your life.

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

5. To 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 nurture them in a positive way.

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

This point implies having the ability to communicate affection with verbalizations and actions, as well as being aware that this fact is part of human nature. Indeed, a mature person understands that he or she is intrinsically deserving of affection from the other person and therefore wishes to reciprocate in the same way.

7. Being prepared to build a common project with another person.

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

8. To 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. These last ones must be shared by both members voluntarily, so that effective communication between the two parties communication between the two parties becomes a fundamental and necessary aspect.

9. To maintain the feeling of love in the long term

It is important to be aware that it is positive not to fall into a succession of superficial phases of falling in love. This point is closely related to the previous one. in terms of the level of commitment required for necessary for such a sentimental project to have a satisfactory continuity.

10. Self-regulate

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

By way of 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 functioning (intra and interpersonal) where the world of emotions is balanced with respect to the cognitive worldand, finally, a sufficient degree of ethical and moral behavior.

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

Bibliographical references:

• Pereda, I. (2018) El mapa del cerebro. Bonalletra Alcompas, S.L.: Spain.
• Rojas, E. (2001) ¿Quién eres? From personality to self-esteem (4th ed.) Temas de Hoy: Madrid.