10 signs of a formed and mature personality. Are you getting wiser over the years?

Essence of the period

Adulthood is a period of working and building a family. Communication, work, family are the main types of activity, only their ratio changes. Moreover, communication passes through a connecting thread between two others; it rarely acts as an independent type.

New growths of maturity include:

• building a life strategy;
• the phenomenon of “acme” (the peak of development, activity and success of the individual);
• searching for the meaning of life and following it;
• a new intellectual level (dialectical thinking, the ability to independently formulate problems);
• parenthood.

All stages of adulthood are similar to each other (work and family), so they are often considered in the same context. Meanwhile, there are three crisis stages of adulthood - 30 years, 40 years and 50 years. The crisis of 30 and 40 years is a search for the meaning of life, an assessment of the days lived, adjustment of life plans, awareness of the loss of youth, doubts about the correctness of the path lived and the advisability of following it. Read more about midlife crises in the article “Middle age and the crisis in men and women.”

The period of adulthood, especially late adulthood, has been studied less than, for example, adolescence or youth. The fact is that in maturity a person has already been formed as a person, and developmental psychology often intersects with pedagogy, examining issues of development and education. In adulthood, we can only talk about re-education and self-education, and this is another job. In terms of personality development and its formation into maturity, little influences a person. However, recently the interest of psychologists in this age period has increased, but so far there is little theoretical and practical data.

Early adulthood or youth

The stage of completion of vocational training and final entry into adulthood. The personality moves from the accumulation of knowledge, skills and abilities to practical application. Features of this period include:

• personal stabilization (psychological, financial, moral, etc.);
• awareness of the main interests in life, prioritization, self-knowledge;
• complete separation from parental care, independent development of life;
• focus on the future, activity for the sake of a future good life.

The success of this period and the successful resolution of the crisis largely depends on the correctness of the chosen profession. Otherwise, the person becomes disoriented, confused and afraid. In an unfavorable situation, a person continues to depend on someone financially, and therefore morally; views on the future are pessimistic; negative attitude towards oneself.

Middle adulthood or maturity

The period of peak professional and personal self-realization and development. If at the previous stage individual personal characteristics “settled down,” then here they are “preserved” and remain without significant changes throughout the entire course of life.

Maturity is conventionally divided into two more periods: early maturity (40-49 years) and late maturity (50-60). Early maturity is characterized by:

• summing up life (focus on the future fades away, more importance is given to the present and past);
• rethinking past days, analyzing the correspondence of present life and plans with actions from youth and youth;
• awareness of the limitations of one’s own capabilities (time and health as well);
• reducing the level of claims (not always, but often).

The severity and depth of the crisis depends on the difference between the image of an ideal life for an individual and the image of real life. The greater the inconsistency and frustration from unfulfilled expectations, the stronger the crisis.

As a rule, during this same period there is a contradictory decrease in self-esteem and a person’s feeling of being young again, at the beginning of his journey, that is, the perception of age changes.

Late maturity is the stage of accepting age and experience, the cessation of attempts at rejuvenation (although rejuvenation actually occurs with the awareness of the correctness and meaningfulness of the path), the maximum disclosure of the individual’s potential. Psychologically this manifests itself:

• complete relief from complexes;
• a complete and adequate understanding of one’s interests, priorities, abilities, place in life;
• orientation towards the present rather than the past or future;
• the desire to achieve maximum self-realization and experience the world around us (understand it, see it, feel it).

Late adulthood

Late adulthood is an alternative name for the period of old age. Read more about this in the article “Age-related crises of old age in psychology - a brief description of what they are, symptoms, how to survive.”

Growing up as a cultural practice

Well, the development of the body does not help us much in determining the boundaries of growing up. Maybe culture can help us? A confirmation, bar mitzvah, or fifteenth birthday party are events that celebrate the transition to another age. In theory. But in practice, in modern society, a thirteen-year-old girl is dependent on her parents even after her bar mitzvah. She might have a little more responsibilities at the synagogue, but she still has a long way to go before she grows up.

And the very idea of ​​some kind of ceremony of transition from one state to another suggests that we have some kind of switch inside us that will allow us to quickly move to another status.

Other events associated with the switch idea are school or college graduations. They are distinguished from bar mitzvahs by only one thing: several hundred, or even thousands of people make the transition at the same time. However, it is extremely rare for any of us to immediately begin adult life after graduation, and in general, secondary and higher education significantly extends the period of childhood and adolescence.

Educational reform carried out during the 19th century in the United States left behind the heterogeneous private schools and homeschooling and consolidated the primacy of public educational institutions in which children were divided strictly by age. By 1918, every state in the country required children to attend school. These reforms were intended to create a ladder of maturation at the institutional level, to offer a step-by-step path to maturity.

Features of age

The main features of the period of adulthood include:

• change in motives, strengthening the influence of universal human values, growth of general motivation;
• growth in the ability to plan and implement actions in accordance with these values;
• increased ability to mobilize one’s own resources during life’s difficulties;
• an objective assessment of one’s strengths and weaknesses, readiness for new and more complex actions, overcoming difficulties, and achieving new heights.

The named features are neoplasms of adulthood. They do not necessarily occur simultaneously; more often, some serve as a trigger for other changes or cause a higher level of development in other elements. If in previous periods development proceeds evenly across all spheres and directions of the personality at once, then the flourishing of maturity has a very chaotic or hierarchical character.

Psychology of early adulthood, maturity. Career and its formation

Maturity
is the level of psychologically harmonious development of a personality, ensuring its effective inclusion in social relationships.
Maturity is the main period of ontogenesis from the end of adolescence to the beginning of the aging period. The main features of a mature socialized personality are: a sense of social responsibility, the desire for social self-realization, the most effective use of one’s capabilities in the main activities of social communication, assertion of one’s “I” in diverse social connections; the flourishing of human spiritual and physical strength. There are anatomical, physiological, mental and social maturity of the individual.

Social maturity is the final level of socialization of an individual, his internalization (assignment) of basic social values ​​and patterns of socially significant behavior, his ability to fulfill social roles and actively participate in the life of society. The most crucial period in a person's life. Responsibility for its development lies primarily with the individual himself, his life position, life orientation, and aspirations.

The period of adulthood is the largest of all periods of human personality development. It begins at 20-25 years old and ends at 60-65 years old, which is more than forty years of life.

Stages of adulthood:

-early adulthood;

- middle adulthood.

Some experts distinguish three or four periods. Their beginning (age) varies for each author.

I call maturity the period of the most vivid manifestation of all human qualities. At this time, a person can reveal his abilities and realize his possibilities. This is the flowering of his individuality.

He is developing on an individual level, he moves to a new level of communication with people, and realizes himself in new social roles (family, professional).

First period of adulthood

has psychological, physiological and cognitive characteristics. A person continues his individual development. Its basic psychological functions are stabilized, and sensory sensitivity reaches its peak development. Attention also changes, becomes selective, its volume and ability to switch increase.

Memory reaches great levels (both long-term and short-term). Thinking is flexible and agile. Processes. Depending on a certain age, specific types of thinking are slightly more developed.

There are also features in the emotional sphere. A person strives to establish long-term positive emotional connections. He tries to win and maintain public positions. When faced with a complex parental relationship, a person can consciously approach the assessment of his abilities and capabilities. Most often during this period he is faced with choosing his future profession, which means that he is self-determining.

Second period of adulthood

also has its own distinctive features. This age is characterized by a decrease in the level of mental functions. This is due to the fact that the capabilities of the human body are reduced. Intellectual activity is quite productive, but after 50 years it begins to decline. Intrafamily relationships become more significant for a person.

Professional activity continues to occupy a large place in a person’s life. The features of the self-concept appear. A person really evaluates himself as a person. Self-esteem becomes generalized.

Like any biographical stage, the period of adulthood can be accompanied by a crisis. This is a crisis of a 40-year-old person, distinguished by its characteristics of origin, course and cessation.

In professional activity during adulthood, a person, as a rule, has taken place. He has already achieved a certain position in society, respect from colleagues and subordinates, his professional knowledge has expanded and increased. The person himself feels like a professional person. In his work he finds a source of moral satisfaction and the discovery of his abilities.

During this period, a person most often has a family. The main family tasks are training and raising children, their development as individuals. The interaction between parents and children is significant. In many ways, it determines the family situation: calm and favorable or turbulent and negative.

During the period of maturity, a person may not feel his real age, but feel as much as his physical and mental state allows. There are three types of age: chronological, physical and psychological. More often than not, people feel younger than they really are.

The crisis of 40 is a kind of repetition of the crisis of 30 years, when a person begins to search for the meaning of life again. Children become independent and need their parents less. Families that rely on relationships with children tend to fall apart. People gradually begin to lose loved ones, friends, relatives. A new self-concept is emerging. Family and professional development (new formations of youth) are undergoing changes. They become more meaningful. There is an integration of previous experience, which is called productivity. The mental new formation of adulthood is rethinking.

It is as if a person chooses a new direction for himself or corrects the previous one.

According to Claparède, a person in adulthood reaches a certain professional level, above which it is difficult for him to rise. He is honing his skills. But gradually a person’s desires and capabilities fade away. This is explained by a person’s lack of desire to grow further, the decline of his cognitive abilities and capabilities, his state of health, etc.

The person begins to grow old. It is important that at this time he finds something new for himself, some other type of activity (hobby, passion, creative work). This will help him feel energized. New activities mean new goals. Objectives, therefore, and the search for ways to achieve them.

Features of crises

Crises of adulthood differ from the crises that precede them - they do not have a clear chronology and are to a greater extent personal crises rather than age-related. The duration, severity, and moment of occurrence depend more on personal circumstances rather than on age.

A pronounced internal desire for growth and improvement can significantly bring the crises of adulthood, as well as the period of adulthood itself, closer. It is at this time that physical and psychological ages tend to diverge as much as possible.

Other factors approaching and provoking a crisis include:

• deterioration of health (illness, hormonal changes);
• economic problems;
• political instability in the country;
• change of habitual lifestyle;
• increasing demands and expectations;
• social pressure.

There is a high risk of a personal crisis superimposing an age crisis. Then the flow will be more difficult, as will the rethinking of life.

Transformative experience

In adulthood, people often begin to focus on what they lack. Williams Brown, author of Adulting, was focused on her career at 20. Despite this, she found herself looking with regret at her peers who started families and children:

“It was hard to look at what you wanted and still want, and other people have it. At the same time, I was well aware that my life is the consequences of my own decisions.”

Williams Brown is now 31 years old and recently married. I asked her if she felt more mature now, having achieved her goals.

“My husband and I dated for almost four years before the wedding and lived together for a long time, so I didn’t think that the wedding would change anything. Emotionally, I feel stronger and more secure.

The other day my husband said that he feels both old and young at the same time. Young people - because a new chapter in life has opened. Old - because the answer to the question of who you want to spend your life with has been found, and this is a big milestone.

But... My sink is still full of dirty dishes."

Perhaps the most transformative experience for the transition to adulthood is parenthood. This does not mean that childless people cannot be considered adults. But for those people who have children, it’s as if that same switch is triggered. Jensen Arnett said in a 1998 interview:

“People most often cite the birth of their child as their own marker of the transition from adolescence to adulthood.”

If growing up is considered (according to Burrow) a combination of an internal sense of responsibility with the conviction of those around you that you have this responsibility, having children is an ideal situation. It is in this case that you feel like an adult, and other people are confident in this.

The most important currency today is a sense of identity and purpose, and children provide both.

In addition to having children, the opposite situation is often mentioned—caring for elderly parents. These two situations, with a successful combination of circumstances, make it possible to achieve adulthood in a short period. But growing up doesn't have to be fast; the process can be slow and gradual. Growing up is not something you can post about on Facebook and expect congratulations. Growing up happens quietly.

How to overcome crises

To successfully overcome crises of adulthood, you need to know the dangerous areas and pay attention to them (the individual does not always clearly understand the reason for his discomfort).

Early adulthood

For the crisis of early adulthood this is:

• leaving parental care and eliminating dependence on parents;
• drawing up life plans and beginning to implement them;
• development of an individual style and lifestyle, self-actualization, self-knowledge;
• awareness of one’s independence, adulthood, rights and responsibilities;
• choosing a life partner, preparing for relationships and marriage;
• improving skills in the chosen specialization.

These points should be taken as a basis and considered as a guide to action. Assess your worth and feelings for each of them. If you have any difficulties, contact a loved one or a psychologist. It is important that each component is completed, then the crisis will pass correctly. You may not even notice the crisis if each of these areas is already developing adequately.

Middle adulthood

What is important to know for the mid-adult crisis:

• Comparison of real life and ideal life is natural (occurs around the age of 30), and the divergence of these structures is also normal. After all, you planned your life when you were young, with little experience and great illusions. Anxiety and doubts are normal, you need to accept them and soberly assess the situation.
• In accordance with a sober assessment of your real capabilities and experience, adjust your life plan (30 years).
• After 30 years, a person becomes acquainted with all parts of the “I”, including those not accepted or ignored before. During the same period, active career advancement and the solution of material and housing problems occur.
• The crisis of 40 years is manifested by a characteristic symptom - a change in attitude towards what was previously important and significant, interesting, or, on the contrary, frightening and unpleasant. A person literally does not recognize himself, but this is not scary. Just accept the changes and get to know yourself again. Avoid being judged “bad” or “good”, don’t be afraid to change your social circle, don’t cling to people. Personal harmony is more valuable than any relationship.
• At 30-40 years old, most of the experiences are associated with personal failure. There is a need to do something socially significant, to leave your mark on society. If you can’t decide what exactly you are ready to create, then get involved in charity work or teaching the younger generation.
• The crisis of 40 years is characterized by doubts about the correctness of life. Work on emotional flexibility and self-regulation, and develop empathy for younger and older generations. Remember your main advantage over young people is experience. Looking at the elderly, realize, but accept without fear or panic, the limited time. Reconsider your life values, pay attention to their meaningfulness and realism, family and friends. Create a new self-image and adjust your living conditions. Get rid of illusions and hopes as much as possible, think rationally and practically. You have no time to have your head in the clouds. Find a new realistic goal in life.

Signs of a mature personality according to A. Maslow

Maturity itself is not a point that can be reached; rather, it is a state that a person has been able to achieve and which can be improved. This list will be very useful for those who love quality food for the mind and in every possible way support their intellectual growth

Psychological maturity is an important component when assessing the state of one’s own psyche. Maturity helps to reveal all a person’s abilities and talents, helps prosperity both spiritually and materially. Maturity itself is not a point that can be reached; rather, it is a state that a person has been able to achieve and which can be improved. This list will be very useful for those who love quality food for the mind and support their intellectual growth in every possible way.

The list was written by Abraham Maslow, a New York-born psychologist and founder of humanistic psychology. Maslow himself believed that individuals with the following qualities make up only 1% of the population and are a kind of example of a “quality person” - psychologically healthy and maximally expressing the human essence of people.

1. A more adequate perception of reality, free from the influence of current needs, stereotypes, prejudices, interest in the unknown.

2. Acceptance of oneself and others as they are, the absence of artificial, predatory forms of behavior and rejection of such behavior on the part of others.

3. Spontaneity of manifestations, simplicity and naturalness. Compliance with established rituals, traditions and ceremonies, but approaching them with a proper sense of humor. This is not automatic, but conscious conformism at the level of external behavior.

4. Business orientation. Such people are usually not busy with themselves, but with their life tasks. They usually relate their activities to universal values ​​and tend to view them from the perspective of eternity rather than the current moment. Therefore, they are all philosophers to some extent.

5. A position of detachment in relation to many events. This helps them endure troubles relatively calmly and be less susceptible to outside influences. They are often prone to loneliness.

6. Autonomy and independence from the environment; stability under the influence of frustrating factors.

7. Freshness of perception: each time finding something new in what is already known.

8. Ultimate experiences, characterized by a feeling of disappearance of one’s own Self.

9. A sense of community with humanity as a whole.

10. Friendship with other self-actualizing people: a narrow circle of people with whom relationships are very deep. Absence of hostility in interpersonal interactions.

11. Democracy in relationships. Willingness to learn from others.

12. Stable internal moral standards. They feel good and evil acutely: they are goal-oriented, and the means are always subordinate to them.

13. “Philosophical” sense of humor. Having a humorous attitude towards life in general and oneself, but one's flaws or adversities are never considered funny.

14. Creativity, independent of what a person does, and manifested in all his actions.

15. A critical attitude towards the culture to which they belong: the good is chosen and the bad is rejected. They feel more like representatives of humanity as a whole than of one culture.

Maslow left this opinion about a mature personality. Perhaps the list is not ideal, and some points can even be argued with, but in general it is a good help for working on yourself, developing qualities and striving for the best.

source: snmaster.com