| Childishness 1

The negative psychological conditioning of children is often carried into adulthood, with even childish and infantile behaviours sometimes being retained, though usually slightly modified.

A child’s parental and peer group fostering of its development, is usually based on a self-centred view of itself that creates a selfish orientation, whilst ambiguously combined with a need for approval and acceptance from others. If another does not give a child what it desires, the child chooses either to withdraw, or to attempt an increase in closeness. In withdrawal they may decide not to play with a particular individual anymore, and not let them into their playgroup or gang, or they may give them the silent treatment and no longer be their friend. Whilst with the attempt to increase closeness, they may become overly pleasing, in order to acquire their needs.

The adult versions of these are seen in the ignoring of others, and the forming of closed cliques that deny other people an opportunity to interact. Or in being overly servile and becoming “yes” people in order to gain acceptance. Overall though, what usually happens in both children and childish adults, is a reactive matching of strategies, either aggressively or passively.

The child or childish adult who are denied by others, have apparently little choice, for their conditioning inhibits alternative views or choices, and they tend to become peeved. However, a mature adult has the choice to courageously break through such conditioning, and be more self-determined.

© Aaron John Beth’el