There’s this thing called Peter Pan syndrome.

A pop psychology term, it describes people who find it difficult to grow up.

While not an official diagnosis, the syndrome is usually associated with individuals who are emotionally immature despite being well into adulthood.

Like the beloved fictional character, they are stuck in perpetual childhood.

And while maintaining a sense of wonder is nothing to be ashamed of, refusing to deal with responsibility is less whimsical in real life than in Neverland.

Here are 7 textbook signs of an emotionally juvenile adult, according to psychology.

If any of the below sounds like you, it’s time to learn how to act your age.

1) They are prone to emotional outbursts

Dramatic emotional outbursts are obvious signs of emotional immaturity.

These outbursts stem from a lack of emotional regulation and an inability to cope with intense feelings in a healthy way.

While adults typically know how to control themselves, someone who is emotionally juvenile is susceptible to tantrums and overreactions.

They allow a minor disagreement with a coworker to escalate into a shouting match.

If their partner doesn’t text back promptly, they are overwhelmed by anger or sadness.

When criticized, they lash out with hurtful remarks instead of taking a step back to consider the validity of the feedback.

Does that sound like anyone you might know?

2) They dodge responsibility

Another textbook sign of an emotionally juvenile adult is that they steer clear of responsibility.

They’re not accountable for actions, decisions, and obligations.

According to psychology, they often avoid commitments like long-term relationships or steady careers.

They can downright refuse to think about the future, stating they’re afraid to lose their independence or appeal if they “settle down.”

I know because this is how I lived for most of my twenties.

Instead of reflecting on my path and mapping out my future, I took things as they came.

I had no idea where I wanted to be in a decade. And while I grew up a lot since, this is still something I struggle with.

Now in my thirties, I still occasionally feel like a teenager and wonder what I truly want to do with my life.

But the difference is that I’m fully responsible for myself and don’t expect others to bail me out.

I also no longer think that the universe owes me anything simply for existing.

Which brings us to the next point on the list.

3) They feel entitled

Emotionally immature people frequently expect to be taken care of, according to psychology.

They may also have narcissistic traits, which further fuel their entitlement.

In other words, they view themselves as inherently special or deserving of preferential treatment.

They may exploit others for their gain, manipulating or deceiving them to meet their own needs.

Needless to say, this isn’t something well-adjusted, functioning adults do.

And just because you don’t “feel” like doing something, it doesn’t mean that someone else will swoop in and take that burden off your shoulders.

Your luck will eventually run out.

Make sure you’re ready to face the inevitable by figuring out how to stand on your own two feet.

4) They have poor impulse control

Poor impulse control is, according to psychologists, another common trait among emotionally juvenile adults.

Just like kids are known to strike out impulsively from time to time, so are adults who never had to grow up.

They act without considering the consequences of their actions and prioritize instant gratification over long-term gain.

For example:

• They impulsively quit jobs in a fit of frustration without considering the financial implications
• They engage in reckless behaviors without considering the potential dangers (substance abuse, gambling, thrill-seeking activities, and so on)
• They go on shopping sprees, maxing out credit cards to fulfill immediate desires instead of saving for a rainy day
• They say hurtful things in the middle of an argument which they later come to regret
• They start multiple projects or hobbies with enthusiasm but struggle to maintain focus or commitment over time

You see how these actions do more harm than good, right?

5) They have difficulty making decisions

If you are emotionally immature, there’s a chance you have difficulty making decisions.

Perhaps you fear making the wrong decision, leading to procrastination.

Or, you feel overwhelmed when faced with multiple choices, leading to decision paralysis.

Unfortunately, making decisions is a big part of adulthood, so your indecision negatively affects all aspects of your life.

Remaining passive protects you from potential consequences, true.

But, at the same time, it holds you back from reaching your true potential.

To fix this, start by practicing decision-making techniques, such as weighing pros and cons, considering alternatives, and setting priorities.

Developing the skill will improve your confidence over time.

Practice making small decisions on a regular basis (like where to have lunch with a friend).

From there, gradually increase the complexity of decisions as you become more comfortable with the process (like whether to change careers).

Not all decisions you make will lead to ideal outcomes, and that’s okay.

The important thing is that you’ll learn how to take action and make your life yours.

6) They rely on external validation

Many emotionally juvenile adults rely on others for validation, unable to provide that much-needed validation themselves.

If you struggle with self-esteem, doubting your abilities makes you second-guess your choices and reach out to others to alleviate your insecurity.

The downside?

You feel unworthy when you can’t scratch that external validation itch and can’t do much without others’ approval.

In the long run, this can make you conform to societal norms just to fit in, even if you dream of a more unconventional life path.

External validation isn’t a great coping mechanism.

You must know how to affirm your value independently of external feedback.

It’s the only way to be at peace with who you are.

7) They engage in black-or-white thinking

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned during adulthood is that life has many shades of gray.

Most people aren’t “good” or “bad.”

Failing doesn’t make you a failure.

Sometimes, there’s no one at fault for a relationship breaking down. Or, both people share the blame, even if not equally.

Emotionally juvenile adults are more likely to see the world in absolutes, adopting a rigid black-and-white perspective.

In short, they struggle to appreciate nuance.

For example, an emotionally immature person may consider themselves a success if they achieve their goals, but a loser if they encounter setbacks or only achieve only half of what they set out to do.

Guess what?

Half is still better than nothing, and setbacks aren’t the end of the world.

Black-and-white thinking limits your ability to navigate the complexities of life and adult relationships.

Developing greater flexibility, meanwhile, is key to seeing things in a more realistic light.

Final thoughts

I’ll be the first to admit that adulthood isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Your knees hurt constantly.

Paying bills is a drag.

Figuring out what to eat day after day takes way more mental energy than I expected.

Yet, nothing beats living on your own terms and taking responsibility for your life.

The sooner you realize that the sooner you can change your immature ways.