Maturity is a complex psychological construct that can be defined in various ways. Some definitions state that it is “having fully grown or developed”. Others state it is “showing the mental and emotional qualities of an adult”. However, most definitions, like these ones, are quite vague and open for interpretation. For the purpose of this essay, maturity will refer to a person’s ability “react, cope and reason” in different context and in ways that are appropriate. Looking at this concept through a psychological scope, defense mechanism and coping strategies are truly relevant aspects to consider regarding what makes a person mature or not.
Vaillant proposed a hierarchical model of development regarding defenses. He suggested that these mechanisms ranged “from psychotic mechanisms such as denial and distortion to mature strategies such as sublimation, humor and altruism” (Diehl 1996). Based on this main framework, Vaillant conducted a longitudinal study in order to test the validity of this model, in which he used a sample of male college graduates. In the results, he found that there was an overall trend that indicated that “as participants grew older there was a decrease in immature and neurotic defenses and an increase in the use of more mature defense mechanisms” (Diehl 1996). Moreover, it is important to note “the hallmark of developmentally mature adults’ coping strategies is the absence of impulsive and outwardly aggressive reactions and the presence of strategies that involve impulse control, acceptance, and cognitive reassessment.” (Diehl 1996).
However, despite the fact that as people grow older, the majority of adults begin to rely more on coping strategies, this is not the case for everyone. For some people, who get stuck and cannot complete certain developmental milestones, it may be much more difficult to employ these strategies and means of coping in certain contexts. Although chronological aging is always occurring and most people manage to “function as adults in most aspects of their lives (holding down a job, being responsible, etc.), they may also show surprisingly child-like and primitive means of coping when stressed” (Dombeck, 2004).
For instance, one of the most well known defense mechanisms, which was initially introduced by Freud, is denial. What this means, is that a person constantly refuses to accept reality or a true fact. In other words, a person distorts reality because there is something that they do not want to see or something that might be too hard for them to see, accept and then have to deal with. A simple example of this, which is actually quite common, and where it is clear that denial is occurring is when an alcoholic that denies that they have a drinking problem. Although this defense allows a person to feel like they are ‘okay’ and like they do not have a problem or anything to worry about, this is evidently an immature and not functional way of dealing with the situation.
There are also some mechanisms that can be considered to be in between defenses and coping strategies. These are not particularly constructive, however, they also do not make the problem worse and are not as extreme as other defense mechanisms. Adults commonly use these, but they are not something that is positive or something that can be considered mature. For example, displacement refers to when a person who is feeling upset or angry at something that is out of their control, takes this out on something that they can control. In essence, they are displacing their feeling so that they can go from feeling powerless to feeling more dominant. A classical example of this is ‘kicking the dog’, which refers to a parent coming home from work after having had a bad day, like having lost a client for instance, and taking it out on the dog by either being mad a it for things that usually would not make them mad or in some cases even kicking it.
At the end of the other spectrum are coping strategies which are usually constructive and can definitely be considered mature as they help deal with problems in a more in depth way and can potentially lead to healthy solutions. An example of this type of strategy is affiliation. This refers to basically relating to others, socializing and seeking for company and emotional support from the important people in your life. This is said to provide “opportunities for venting, distraction” and also to process and accept what has happened, or encourage you to take action when needed.
All in all, we should all strive to improve our abilities to use coping mechanisms in difficult situations, rather than be stuck with superficial defense mechanisms. Although it is pretty evident, these coping strategies are the most long-term helpful and healthy way to deal with pain. As we grow and learn from experience, this should improve and become easier. However, growing up or growing older on its own does not guarantee that we will be able to use these strategies automatically. Therefore, being aware of the differences between these strategies and working towards the most positive ones can make a difference. Without a doubt, being able to achieve these coping strategies is related to maturity, but it can be looked at in two main ways. In one, maturity can be seen as something that is needed in order to achieve these strategies. In the other, it can be seen as something that is achieved by employing these. In your opinion, which way would you say is most relevant?
Works Cited:
Diehl, M. (1996). Age and Sex Differences in Strategies of Coping and Defense Across the Life Span. Retrieved October 26, 2016, from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Manfred_Diehl/publication/14476821_Age_and_sex_differences_in_strategies_of_coping_and_defense_across_the_life_span/links/09e41502442fcae464000000.pdf
Dombeck, M. (2004). Defense Mechanisms. Retrieved October 26, 2016, from https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/defense-mechanisms/
Mature. (n.d.). Retrieved October 26, 2016, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mature
Maturity definition. (n.d.). Retrieved October 26, 2016, from http://www.alleydog.com/glossary/definition.php?term=Maturity
Models of Maturity 
Adri, I enjoyed reading your blog post!
I personally think that maturity involves the acknowledgement of these coping strategies, and implementing them. However, I do not believe that maturity results from applying coping strategies. Furthermore, you wrote that often, when individuals ‘deny’ situations this shows immaturity. Nonetheless, what happens when this denial is unconscious? For instance, after a loved one passes away, if the person dealing with the situation shows denial in the beginning, I don’t think this should relate to their maturity level. Rather, this is an immediate reaction which may change over time, after something traumatic or impactful occurs. Even though I agree with you that as we become more mature, we have more strategies to deal with situations, nonetheless sometimes things occur and defence mechanisms, in my opinion, don’t always accurately display one’s maturity level.
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Great blog entry Adri,
Defense mechanisms are universal and for sure show some signs of (im)maturity. Refering to your last question, my opinion is as following. If we are presented with a situation which requires our reaction and we consciously choose to actively use some of the coping strategies rather than aggressive reactions we are showing our maturity level. In other words, using ‘better’ defense mechanisms or coping strategies is a sign that we have reached a high level of maturity. We can argue about the measurements and scales now, but there is definitely a sequence of defense mechanisms which goes from less mature to more mature, like you mentioned, immature and neurotic responses such as denial are probably on the lower level of maturity. So I would say that these mechanisms are merely a sign of our development, but this does not mean that once we use better strategies that we can never get back to impulsive reactions or similar. At some situations we can act mature, while at others we can show immature behaviour. It is very situational and individual.
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Hi Adri,
when I read the title of you blog entry I thought this was a cool topic and you didn’t disappoint 🙂
I really liked your idea that different coping strategies impy different maturity levels and it seems to relate to the general idea that maturity is a state in which you can respond to situations appropriately perfectly.
Rather than criticism or a question I just want to add a thought: this idea could be very useful in therapy. You mentioned yourself that some people don’t manage to reach more mature coping mechanisms that are appropriate to their age or maturity level. These people show some maladaptive responses to situations that makes them more likely to seek help from thrapists. I believe that teaching them coping strategies could be a legitimate approach to therapy that may well advance their maturity level and alleviate their symptoms. Also, this seems like a very tangible plan that is easy for the client to understand and implement.
Thank you for the interesting read 🙂
Alena
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