Page 78 - Javanan Magazine Issue #1900 _Neat

PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUE No. 1900
PSYCHOLOGICAL
ISSUE No. 1856

PERSPECTIVES
PERSPECTIVES JAVANAN
JAVANAN
Dr. Alan A.
Modarressi LOGICAL PERSPECTIVES
Clinical and A SOCIOCULTURAL AND MIND AND BODY OUTLOOK
Neuro-Psychologyst
In this column, we examine the mental health issues in the context
of social, culture, and physiological concerns of the Iranian community

SOME BEHAVIORAL INDICATIONS OF EMOTIONAL IMMATURITY

Part 2-More on How to Recognize Immature Behaviors and Correct them

ast week I explored a few
behavioral examples of emo-
Ltional immaturity including,
difficulty expressing emotions ap-
propriately; Reliance on instant
gratification; Struggle with em-
pathy and perspective-taking; and
Poor emotional boundaries. This
week we continue with more be-
havioral indications of emotional
immaturity.-Jealousy of others’ suc-
cesses- Feeling a twinge of jealousy
when someone else achieves some-
thing we desire is a natural human
reaction. However, when this emo-
tion dominates our response to oth-
ers’ successes, it’s a sign of emotion-
al immaturity. This type of jealousy
is more than just envying someone’s
achievements; it reflects our in-
securities and a belief that life is a
zero-sum game. In other words, one
person’s gain or advantage equals
another person’s loss , which is not
true. You may remember behaving
this way on occasions. Like viewing
someone else’s success as a personal
failure and a reminder of your own
inadequacies. It only makes you
want to prove you were better than
them. But rather than propel us for- from their errors. But this is totally ancing emotional intimacy is like Emotional maturity involves nav-
ward, this mindset traps us in a cycle understandable, as mistakes do feel walking a tightrope: and emotional- igating this balance with mindful-
of negativity, preventing us from uncomfortable — and often, our ly immature individuals often strug- ness and patience. It means gradu-
recognizing our own potential and family environment shapes our abil- gle with this balance. On one end of ally building trust and connection,
achievements. The antidote to this ity to own up to our missteps. This the spectrum, some might shy away allowing intimacy to deepen natu-
is celebrating others’ achievements avoidance is often unconscious and from emotional closeness, viewing rally over time. This approach fos-
as we would our own. Understand can stem from a fear of appearing it as a threat to their independence ters healthy, lasting relationships
that someone else’s success doesn’t weak or imperfect. or fearing vulnerability. built on mutual understanding and
diminish your worth or possibili- But regardless of its origins, we They keep relationships at a sur- genuine closeness.
ties — on the contrary, it’s proof that have the choice to overcome it face level, avoiding the risk of being The path to emotional maturity-In
it’s possible for you too. By shifting now — and it’s a choice we should truly seen and known. This avoid- recognizing these signs of emotional
focus from comparison to inspira- definitely make. Because refusing ance can lead to a sense of isolation immaturity, we embark on a journey
tion, we foster a growth mindset, to reflect is like walking the same and unfulfillment in relationships. towards greater self-awareness and
acknowledging that success is abun- path and stumbling over the same On the other end, some individu- growth. Each step, from expressing
dant and there’s room for everyone rock repeatedly. It hinders personal als might rush into emotional in- emotions appropriately to balanc-
to shine. growth and self-awareness. We timacy, seeking immediate depth ing emotional intimacy, is a stride
-Refusal to reflect on or learn miss out on valuable lessons and the without establishing a stable foun- towards a more mature, fulfilling
from mistakes chance to develop resilience. dation. This can be driven by a need life. Remember, emotional maturity
A key marker of emotional matu- We must shift our mindset from for external validation as you’re not is not a destination but a continuous
rity is how we handle our mistakes. defensiveness to curiosity: “What able to manage your own emotions process of learning, adapting, and
Do we view them as catastrophic can this mistake teach me?” This well. Or, it could stem from a fear of evolving.
failures or as opportunities for doesn’t mean being harsh on your- abandonment or an idealized view By embracing this path with an
growth? self; it’s about constructive reflec- of relationships. It often results in in- open heart and mind, we not only
Emotionally immature individu- tion. tense but unstable connections that improve our relationships and well-
als often lean towards the former, -Avoiding emotional intimacy (or are unable to withstand the tests of being but also become the emotion-
refusing to acknowledge or learn jumping in too deep too soon)- Bal- time and reality. ally mature adults we aspire to be.

DANESH FOROUGHI, PH.D. Alan Modarressi, PhD, QME
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, PSY13680 Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Marriage, Family & Child Psychotherapist, MFC23455 Qualified Medical Evaluator
Certified National Board of Addiction Examiners #4974 Certified Psychophsychologist
Tel: (310) 940-3642 Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management
15720 Ventura Blvd., Second Fl. #224 Encino CA 91436 (818) 501-6080 (562) 861-7226

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