Psychosocial Maturity: Assessing Patterns of Growth

• In Event: Juvenile Development and Juvenile Justice

Abstract

Numerous studies have documented increases in average levels of psychosocial maturity from adolescence to adulthood. In addition, research has revealed statistical differences in levels of psychosocial maturity between adolescents and adults. Growth is assumed to be normative and relatively uniform. Researchers have argued that these predictable increases in maturity should be considered as mitigating factors when punishing juveniles. However, a few recent studies have documented variation in individual patterns of change in psychosocial maturity. Using longitudinal data from the Pathways to Desistance, this study will examine methods of quantifying and assessing the uniformity of growth in several measures of psychosocial maturity, including susceptibility to peer influence and future orientation. The implications of heterogeneous growth in psychosocial maturity for the criminal and juvenile justice systems will be discussed.

Authors

• Timothy S Nixon, University of Cincinnati

• Christopher Sullivan, University of Cincinnati