Have you ever encountered a woman who throws tantrums, makes everything about herself, and can’t handle constructive criticism?

This is a woman we might call emotionally immature, and psychology has something to say about them—and they exhibit certain behaviors that psychologists recognize.

Below is your guide to understanding the classic signs of an emotionally immature woman, as defined by psychologists.

1) They struggle with emotional regulation

Women who are emotionally immature might show an extreme range of emotions.

One moment, they’re on top of the world, and the next, they’re down in the dumps.

They get overly excited or upset over minor events or have a tendency to overreact to situations that don’t typically warrant such a strong reaction.

This emotional roller coaster can be exhausting, not just for them, but also for those around them.

Often fluctuating between high-intensity emotions and feelings of emptiness, they struggle to maintain a balanced emotional state.

The key here is inconsistency.

Sure, we all have our emotional ups and downs. But when these shifts become frequent and intense, it could be a sign of emotional immaturity.

2) They avoid responsibility

When things go wrong, does she always find someone else to blame?

An emotionally immature woman might struggle to take responsibility for her actions.

Instead of admitting her mistakes and learning from them, she might point fingers and play the blame game.

This behavior is often rooted in a psychological concept known as the external locus of control.

Individuals with an external locus of control tend to believe that external factors, rather than their own actions, determine the outcomes of their lives.

This could manifest in several ways:

Perhaps she’s always complaining about her boss or colleagues when she faces issues at work, or maybe she blames her friends for a fallout instead of reflecting on her own behavior.

But we all make mistakes; it’s part of being human. Owning up to them and learning from them is a sign of emotional maturity.

3) They struggle with empathy

A telltale sign of emotional immaturity is a lack of empathy.

Emotionally immature women often find it challenging to understand and share the feelings of others. They often dismiss your emotions, failing to offer comfort when you’re going through a difficult time.

This lack of empathy often stems from a preoccupation with their own feelings and experiences.

They’re so caught up in their own world that they struggle to see things from another person’s perspective.

But empathy is essential in any healthy relationship. It’s what allows us to connect with others on a deep, emotional level.

Wisdom comes from understanding others, not just ourselves.

4) They crave constant attention

While it’s natural to desire acknowledgment and affection, an emotionally immature woman might crave attention to an excessive degree.

Paradoxically, this isn’t always because they’re supremely confident or self-assured. Instead, it often stems from a deep-seated insecurity or fear of being overlooked.

They dominate conversations or make grand gestures to stay in the spotlight, requiring constant reassurance or affirmation to feel valued.

But a healthy relationship involves a balance of give and take, so it shouldn’t be solely about one person always being the center of attention.

5) They struggle with commitment

Let’s be brutally honest here:

An emotionally immature woman finds it incredibly difficult to commit—to plans, to promises, and especially to relationships.

She avoids making definitive decisions or shy away from serious conversations about the future.

This fear of commitment often stems from a desire to keep options open or a fear of missing out.

It’s not always about the fear of being tied down, but the fear of making the wrong choice or the inability to make a choice at all.

Commitment is more than just sticking to plans. It’s being reliable and trustworthy.

If she frequently cancels plans at the last minute, avoids serious conversations, or seems indecisive about important matters, it’s likely a sign of emotional immaturity.

It’s harsh but true—commitment is a key part of growth, and without it, one might find themselves stuck in emotional adolescence.

6) They have difficulty expressing emotions

Emotionally immature women often struggle to articulate their feelings.

This isn’t necessarily because she doesn’t care or isn’t affected by things. She just hasn’t learned how to effectively express her emotions.

Perhaps she tends to bottle things up until she explodes, or maybe she resorts to passive-aggressive behavior when she’s upset.

This is because these are often coping mechanisms for people who find it hard to openly discuss their feelings.

Remember, expressing emotions is a skill that some people take longer to learn than others.

If she finds it challenging to communicate her feelings, it could be a sign of emotional immaturity.

However, with patience, understanding, and perhaps some professional help, this is something that can be improved over time.

7) They struggle with change

Let’s face it: Change can be daunting for all of us.

But for an emotionally immature woman, even slight shifts in routine or plans can send her into a tailspin.

She might resist changes and prefer to stick to what’s familiar, even when those familiar patterns aren’t serving her well.

While it’s normal to feel uncertain about change, the ability to adjust and cope is crucial. Adaptability is a key aspect of emotional maturity.

If she seems unusually resistant to change, big or small, it could be a sign of emotional immaturity.

8) They love to play the victim

We’ve all had those days when it feels like the world is against us.

But for an emotionally immature woman, this might be the norm rather than the exception.

She often portrays herself as the victim, even in situations where it’s clear that she’s not.

Maybe she uses phrases like “Why does this always happen to me?” or “I can’t catch a break.”

While it can feel dramatic and a little like a soap opera scene, these moments can also be oddly endearing in their own way.

We all have our less-than-stellar moments. Playing the victim can be a sign of emotional immaturity, but it’s also human nature to seek sympathy and support.

9) They lack self-awareness

An emotionally immature woman often lacks self-awareness.

She might not realize how her actions affect others, or she might have a skewed perception of herself.

She might also lack insight into her own emotions.

Maybe she feels angry but doesn’t understand why, or maybe she’s quick to blame others for her feelings without looking inward.

Self-awareness is fundamental to emotional maturity. Without it, growth is difficult.

So if she seems oblivious to how her actions and emotions impact herself and those around her, it’s a clear sign of emotional immaturity.

10) They need to grow on their own

Remember, you can’t force someone to grow emotionally.

An emotionally immature woman needs to recognize her behaviors and make the effort to change on her own.

You can offer support, understanding, and patience, but ultimately, the responsibility for growth rests with her.

No matter how much you care or how hard you try, you can’t “fix” someone else’s emotional immaturity. It’s a journey she needs to take herself.

Remember, it’s not your job to change someone.

Final thoughts

Emotionally immature women struggle with understanding themselves and their emotions.

They lack the tools needed for emotional growth and often create an emotional barrier around themselves as a defense mechanism.

But even if you’re well aware of this, you need to remember that you cannot make someone grow up by loving them more or by constantly adjusting yourself to fit their needs.

Emotional growth is a personal journey that everyone must undertake on their own. You can be supportive and patient, but the real change has to come from them.