According to research, certain aspects of mental maturity, specifically executive function, are considered mature by age 18.
The question of whether someone is mentally mature at 18 is complex, as "mental maturity" encompasses various cognitive and emotional abilities. While complete mental maturity is a long process, specific areas reach maturity at different times.
Executive Function Maturation at 18
Research indicates that executive function, a crucial component of mental maturity, typically matures around the age of 18 in a controlled environment:
- Executive function includes skills such as planning, problem-solving, and impulse control.
According to a university news release reported on November 6th, 2023, Luna stated that "The ability to use executive function reliably improves with age and, at least in a laboratory setting, matures by 18 years of age." This means that in ideal, controlled scenarios, an 18-year-old is expected to demonstrate mature executive function.
Factors Influencing Mental Maturity
It is important to note that this does not necessarily mean complete mental maturity. Other factors, like emotional regulation, continue to develop over time.
Factors complementing executive function, such as the ability to control one's emotions, also change with age, further refining overall mental maturity.
Conclusion
While executive function can be considered mature at 18, other emotional and behavioral elements of mental maturity continue to develop beyond this age. Therefore, while an 18-year-old is likely to possess a mature capacity for executive function, complete mental maturity is an ongoing process.
