The Criteria of Emotional Maturity

Please don't use this list as an occasion for self-criticism.

It's an ideal whose truths are more relative than absolute.

But if you are on the path of psychological growth, this is
a good list to think on now and again.

The word 'maturity' in this case does not relate to Crit-
ical Parent 'shoulds', but to the process of 'ripening', i.e.
becoming more of what one fundamentally is.


THE CRITERIA OF EMOTIONAL MATURITY

* The ability to deal constructively with reality

* The capacity to adapt to change

* A relative freedom from symptoms that are produced
by tensions and anxieties

* The capacity to find more satisfaction in giving than
receiving

* The capacity to relate to other people in a consistent
manner with mutual satisfaction and helpfulness

* The capacity to sublimate, to direct one's instinctive
hostile energy into creative and constructive outlets

* The capacity to love

--William C. Menninger, MD 1899-1966

William Menninger, along with his brother Karl,
founded the internationally known and respected
Menninger (psychiatric) Clinic of Topeka, Kansas.
In their time they had a great influence on psychia-
try and the treatment of mentally ill people.