Do you ever wonder if there's a chance you'll never grow up? Do you sometimes long for the carefree and freedom that comes with childhood? You may have heard of Peter Pan Syndrome - named after the literary character who never grew up.
Peter Pan Syndrome is a term used to describe an adult who is emotionally and socially immature. It is a metaphor based on the concept of being trapped in childhood. Named after a boy who never grew up, it is first found in a 1983 book by psychoanalyst Dan Keeley. The story is about Peter Pan, a boy who lives in a magical place called Neverland, where he never has to grow up.
As wonderful as it is to never have to pay bills or make a doctor's appointment, becoming a responsible adult is important in life. People with Peter Pan syndrome tend to they avoid all obligations and the responsibilities that come with maturity.
The term describes the appearance of adults, who age physically, but not emotionally. Kiley focused on men in his research, but Peter Pan syndrome occurs in both women and men. Adults with Peter Pan syndrome avoid the personal and professional responsibilities of adulthood because they are not up to it.
Characteristics of Peter Pan syndrome
1. Problems with long-term plans
These individuals prefer to "live for today" and have little interest in long-term plans. So they act like children or teenagers who don't need to think long term.
2. Inability to establish a long-term relationship
Someone with Peter Pan syndrome will find it difficult to have a long-term romantic relationship. Their attachment style is anything but secure and they cannot commit emotionally. They show signs of emotional unavailability, such as unwillingness to define relationships or constantly changing partners. They are not emotionally mature enough to be able to establish a deep intimate relationship with another person.
3. Relying on other people to take care of them
Someone with Peter Pan syndrome may be characterized by remaining very dependent on their parents or family. There is nothing they can do to help them in any meaningful way or to truly separate themselves from their families. They enjoy being cared for by others.
4. No interest in personal growth
When you grow up, you also grow as a person. But if Peter Pan syndrome is present, then there is no reason to grow up: people with these characteristics enjoy life as teenagers, and you see nothing wrong with that.
5. Difficult decision making
The average person makes a huge number of decisions every day. It is an important part of maturity. Someone with Peter Pan syndrome, however, can avoid this by letting someone else lead. Once they make up their minds, they are completely paralyzed.
6. Money problems
Spend money recklessly and have other financial problems. For someone with Peter Pan syndrome, organizing and keeping track of personal finances is not an important task. Maybe even something they avoid – until their account is in the red.
7. Avoiding conflicts
A person with Peter Pan syndrome is emotionally mature like a child who does not know how to express his emotions and consciously work with them. When it comes to conflicts and confrontations, they avoid them as much as possible. Sometimes they run away from reality (games, television, phone, alcohol), and sometimes they knock on the door like teenagers.
8. Neglecting household chores
Their apartment is chaotic, dirty and cluttered. Order is not important to them, just as it is not important to a small child.
What causes Peter Pan syndrome?
Some experts believe that Peter Pan syndrome is caused by overprotective parents. Parents must support and educate their children, but it is also essential that the child gains self-confidence, which allows him to stand on his own two feet and learn to take responsibility. As children grow, they need to learn to deal with problems and solve them.
On the other side of the spectrum are parents who neglect or abuse their children - fear and insecurity in growing up can manifest itself in an adult who is never sure of himself and is afraid of doing something wrong, so he prefers to avoid everything.
