What is Emotional Immaturity

Emotionally Immature/Emotionally Dependent

Listening to the evening news; signing on to the internet or reading the newspaper will undoubtedly deliver to you some form of violent act that has been acted out by one individual onto another. Often times we hear the neighbors of the accused refer to this person as a model citizen; a quiet guy; a pillar in the community. So how can this be? How can it be that a person who seems only to be known as one who is stable, quiet and even as good turn so bad?

The answer will always lie seated in the level of the individuals level of emotional maturity.

Whether our minds consciously recognize this fact or not, the truth is we all believe we are in control. Our minds were designed to make sense out of our world. We hear a thought in our heads and then our brain performs the proper mechanical functions to follow up or through with that thought. Maybe we want to go grab a bite to eat. If we do, we get the car keys and head to our favorite pizzeria. Maybe we long for a hot bath. If so we turn on the faucet; watch the water fill up and get in. Maybe we are afraid the spot on our leg is cancer. If we do, we call our doctor, make an appointment and have our fears settled. Regardless of the scenario, the dynamic is the same. Our minds had a thought and our behavior acted upon that thought. In each of these scenarios however, the initial thought was rational. The problem arises when the thoughts we find floating around in our head are not.

Whether we want pizza, a haircut, a car wash or bath, all of these scenarios were within our control. Because these wants are easily satisfied, the end result is pleasant. There is no drama; whining; carrying on or feelings of doom and gloom. The fact that our want was satisfied allowed our ego to feel soothed and in control.

All human minds require a basic need to feel in control. We were born with this need. This need helps propel us through various stages of emotional development. Without at least some sense of control, we would feel lost; desperate; broken; unable to cope.