I'm Confused By "Maturity" In Psychology And Psychiatry.

I'm a little confused by the concept of maturity in psychology and psychiatry. Recently online I read that in many ways those concepts are more social constructs than scientific or psychiatric concepts and diagnosis. I don't know because I don't have a degree in psychology.

I am also confused about my diagnosis and problems. My psychiatrist finally told me last year, I believe, that I do not have schizophrenia. Probably a personality disorder like schizotypal personality disorder or schizoaffective disorder. And my behavior does seem immature sometimes. At least to me and others around me. People have noticed all my life, even when I was a child. But in hindsight my behavior might have just been unusual or they may have been exaggerating. Ditto for how I have seen myself thru the years. I do have a theory surrounding, silly as it sounds, playing with dolls. People often say that is immature for an adult. But an adult who simply collects dolls is not behaving unusual for that age. But one who plays games of pretend with them might be.

What is maturity, and emotional maturity in psychology? How is it defined? What are its symptoms? What can it be a sign of? When is it clinical or a problem? And how does it relate to IQ?

 

I'm not a psychologist, so I can only go on the basis of my personal opinons and what I've read. Saint Paul said: "When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways." (1 Cor. 13:11):Our ideas about what is "normal" or "abnormal", mature or immature, and "age appropriate" are, to a certain extent, "social constructs", but are also typically based on judgements about behaviors that are harmful to self or others, conducive to carrying out life's responsibilities independently, and/or enabling full development of our potential and ability to fulfill adult role expectations. This is related to normal brain development. Impulse control (e.g., postponement of immediate gratification and/or not flying off the handle if something in your life goes wrong or someone or something annoys you) is a hallmark of emotional maturity This is associated with the prefrontal cortex which controls planning and decision-making; the ability to manage impulses, emotions, and behaviors to achieve long-term goals. Full maturation ordinarily happens around age of 25-- the prefrontal cortex being one of the last areas to complete development. Philosophers might add specific developmental milestones: reasoning ability (Aristotelians), development of moral character (Kantians), and individual choice and responsibility (existentialists).

An adult male playing with dolls, while harmless in itself, is certainly unusual in a couple of respects: it conflicts with cultural norms of adult appropriate and gender-appropriate behavior. Is it a problem? I'd say it depends on your awareness of why you're doing it, and whether or not it's interfering with more productive activities, like forming friendships, carrying out work-related responsibilities.etc. In terms of harm, I don't see that it's that different from playing computer games, watching porn, or jerking off a lot. But better do it in private.
Maturity (psychological) - Wikipedia
Understanding Emotional Maturity
What Is Emotional Maturity? (With Signs, Types, and Ways to Develop the Skill)
What Emotional Maturity Looks Like
How to Know Someone Is Emotionally Mature
Developing Emotional Maturity: 11 Methods & Worksheets