A man’s “growing up” is frequently associated with physical changes and life events such as starting a family or getting a career. But emotional maturity is a different road, and many men struggle with it for the majority of their lives. It might be difficult for men to understand emotional maturity. In this article, we will explore what emotional maturity is, why it could be difficult for men, whether it gets better with age and how to develop it.
Table Of Contents
What Is Emotional Maturity?
Why Is Emotional Maturity Difficult For Men?
Do A Men Become More Emotionally Mature As They Get Older?
What Can A Man Do To Become More Emotionally Mature?
What Is Emotional Maturity?
Emotional Maturity is the capacity to recognize, control and communicate feelings in a positive and healthy way. It’s about acknowledging and identifying one’s own and other people’s feelings, and knowing how to react to them rather than stoically repressing them (Bhagat et al., 2016).
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), emotional maturity is “a high and appropriate level of emotional control and expression” (APA Dictionary of Psychology, 2018). An individual’s ability to handle disagreement and establish stable, fulfilling relationships is a key component of emotional maturity (Simpson & Steven Rholes, 2017).
Key Characteristics of Emotional Maturity
Self-Awareness: People who are emotionally mature are conscious of their feelings and how their emotions affect their ideas and behavior. They are able to recognize their emotions and the reasons behind them.
Empathy: They have the ability to comprehend and value the feelings of others which allows them to build more meaningful and profound relationships.
Responsibility: People who are emotionally mature accept accountability for their feelings and behaviors. They don’t hold other people responsible for their emotions or situation.
Adaptability: They exhibit resilience and flexibility by being able to modify their behavior and emotions in response to unpredictable circumstances.
Healthy Relationships: Healthy and stable relationships are the result of emotional maturity. It makes it possible for people to assist one another, settle disputes and communicate clearly.
Why Is Emotional Maturity Difficult For Men?
Men may find it more difficult to reach emotional maturity for a number of biological, psychological and social reasons.
Societal Expectations
Men are frequently subjected to strict social norms that dictate how they should act and show their feelings. Many men are trained from an early age to be tough, to hide their weaknesses and to suppress their feelings, including fear and grief. Words like “man up” and “boys don’t cry” inhibit emotional expression and contemplation. A disservice is done to men when they are taught by media, religion and society to conceal their emotions in order to adhere to a toxic standard of masculinity.
Psychological Factors
Emotional maturity may be a challenge for men because of internalized masculine stereotypes perpetuated by society. This may make it harder for them to recognize and express their emotions. The development of emotional intelligence may be hampered by the need to adhere to conventionally masculine standards.
Biological Factors
Emotional processing can be influenced by biological variables, however, these components are frequently less important than psychological and social aspects. Emotional maturity is not predicted by the development of the brain’s emotional centers, which appear to differ in men and women. Rather, it emphasizes the value of education and experience in the process of emotional growth.
Photo by: Alex Green
Do Men Become More Emotionally Mature As They Get Older?
Emotional maturity can be influenced by age, although it’s not always the case. Maturity is not just a result of growing older; life events and personal development can also contribute to a better understanding and regulation of emotions.
Life Experiences
Relationships, professional difficulties and personal losses are just a few examples of life events that greatly aid in emotional development. These encounters can impart important knowledge about emotional control, empathy and resilience.
Intentional Growth
It takes conscious effort and introspection to be emotionally mature. While some men may reach emotional maturity at a younger age, others could require more time. Regardless of age, the essential component is a readiness to grow and learn.
Social Support
Emotional development might also benefit from having a network of mentors, family members or friends who are supportive. Guidance and encouragement can be provided by positive role models who demonstrate emotional maturity.
What Can A Man Do To Become More Emotionally Mature?
It is possible to become emotionally mature via deliberate practice and effort. Men can take the following concrete actions to support their emotional development.
Practice Self-Reflection
Self-examination is the cornerstone of emotional development. One can better grasp underlying causes and patterns by taking the time to examine their emotions and reactions. This can be facilitated by journaling, practicing meditation or just taking some quiet time to reflect.
Develop Emotional Intelligence
The capacity to identify, comprehend, and regulate one’s own feelings as well as those of others is known as emotional intelligence (EI). Increasing EI entails:
- Identifying Emotions: Observe your body and mind for clues to help you identify emotions as they emerge.
- Understanding Emotions: Think about the causes of your feelings. What set them off? What are basic wants or needs?
- Managing Emotions: Develop your ability to control your emotions by practicing mindfulness, deep breathing or speaking about it with a trusted person.
- Using Emotions Constructively: Transform your feelings into wise choices and actions.
Cultivate Empathy
A key element of emotional maturity is empathy. Develop empathy by listening intently to others talk and refraining from interrupting or preparing your own response. Make an effort to comprehend and feel what others are feeling. Recognize their feelings and extend your assistance. Imagine yourself in the position of another person with their unique individual life experiences.
Build Healthy Relationships
An essential component of emotional growth is having positive relationships. Being transparent and truthful in your communication is essential to establishing and preserving these relationships. Listen to others and let them know how you feel. Take a problem-solving approach to conflicts instead of a combative one. Try to identify and deal with the underlying causes of disputes. To promote understanding and respect amongst people, set and uphold personal boundaries.
Seek Professional Help
Consulting with a therapist or counselor can be helpful at times. A specialist can offer techniques and resources to help with improved understanding and handling of emotions. Therapy also provides a safe space for men to be vulnerable and share. Additionally, therapy can provide a secure environment for examining more profound emotional problems.
Engage in Continuous Learning
Being emotionally mature takes time. Take up reading, workshops or classes on emotional intelligence and personal development to further enhance your knowledge. New perspectives and methods can be obtained by learning from the experiences and insights of others.
References
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Emotional Maturity. https://dictionary.apa.org/
Bhagat, V., Haque, M., Bin Abu Bakar, Y. I., Husain, R., & Khairi, C. M. (2016). Emotional maturity of medical students impacting their adult learning skills in a newly established public medical school at the east coast of Malaysian Peninsula. Advances in Medical Education and Practice, 7, 575–584. https://doi.org/10.2147/AMEP.S117915
Simpson, J. A., & Steven Rholes, W. (2017). Adult Attachment, Stress, and Romantic Relationships. Current Opinion in Psychology, 13, 19–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2016.04.006
Written By: Dr. Wasif MD
Edited by: Madison V, BS
Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Kyle Zrenchik, PhD, LMFT
Published : 07/22/24
Disclaimer: ALL IN Therapy Clinic aims to improve people’s lives. We do this through providing effective mental health counseling by passionate professionals. Inspired by this, we write content for your own education. Also, our content is researched, cited, reviewed, and edited by licensed mental health professionals. However, the information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, it should not be used in place of the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.
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