VI. DANGER SIGNALS: SEVERE IMMATURI

VI. DANGER SIGNALS: SEVERE IMMATURITY AND PATHOLOGY
The characteristics described above indicate some core-areas of emotional maturity. It is also important to assess the degree of immaturity and the limits on the capacity of the person for change and growth. The rule of thumb in this regard is: When something is pointed out, is the person able to reflect on it, acquire some insight, and use this insight for durable change?
Here are some pointers that may help to distinguish between the normal immaturity that we often find in a candidate, and a more severe immaturity, or even a serious underlying emotional/mental disturbance. What gives a really negative significance to these signs is their resistance to change, even after they have been pointed out to the person a few times, and with sufficient empathy and clarity. When the person is unable either to see and admit them or to do something about them, then the severity of the personality conflicts underlying them is confirmed (Champoux, 1998).