Infantilism

Infantilism: Revealing childhood behaviors in adults

In our complex and rapidly changing world, where adults face various stresses and responsibilities, the need to restore inner harmony and comfort inevitably arises. However, sometimes this search for a cozy refuge leads to some unusual results. One of these phenomena is infantilism, which is a manifestation of childhood forms of behavior in an adult.

Infantilism is a concept used to describe behavior that retains childhood characteristics even when the person reaches adulthood. It manifests itself in various areas of life, including emotional, social and behavioral behavior. Adults suffering from infantilism can manifest themselves both in facial expressions and gestures, as well as in preferences, hobbies and communication skills.

There are several different forms of infantilism. One of them is emotional infantilism, when adults experience difficulties with emotional regulation and expression of their feelings. They can easily become hysterical, overly emotional and dependent on other people, as if they need constant care and attention.

Social infantilism is associated with deficiencies in the development of social skills and adaptation. People suffering from this form of infantilism may have difficulty establishing healthy, adult relationships with others. They may exhibit low self-esteem, uncertainty, and dependence on others to make decisions.

Behavioral infantilism manifests itself in a preference for children's entertainment, games and hobbies. Adults suffering from this form of infantilism may feel attracted to children's toys, cartoons, anime, or games that are usually associated with childhood. They may also avoid the responsibilities and duties of adulthood, preferring to remain in a world of fantasy and carelessness.

The reasons leading to the development of infantilism can be varied. Some researchers associate it with defective personality development in childhood, traumatic events, or disruption of emotional ties with parents. Others suggest that infantilism may be the result of a desire for protection and refuge from adult problems and responsibilities, creating the illusion of safety and comfort characteristic of childhood.

Although infantilism may be a way to cope with some emotional or psychological difficulties, prolonged expression of such childhood behaviors in adults can have negative consequences. It can hinder development and self-realization in adulthood, and also affect relationships with other people.

Treatments and approaches to overcoming infantilism may include psychotherapy, social skills work, self-analysis and awareness of the reasons behind the behavior. It is important to remember that each case of infantilism is unique and the treatment approach must be individualized, tailored to the individual's specific needs and circumstances.

In conclusion, infantilism is the manifestation of childhood behaviors in adults. It can have various forms and causes. Although some people may use infantilism as a way to cope with the stress and pressures of adult life, prolonged expression of this behavior can hinder personal growth and development. It is important to seek professional help to find appropriate methods to overcome infantilism and achieve a more mature and balanced life.

Infantism (lat. infantilis - childish, childish) - childishness, preservation in the adult psyche of some features of childhood, naivety, inexperience in anything; maintaining the same way of life (when living conditions change, when external circumstances change) due to psychological unwillingness to change it; pathological state of the psyche, a tendency to limitlessly experience childhood feelings, relationships, grievances; spoiled. The term was first introduced by the French philosopher and politician Jules de Sade in his book Pathology of the 18th Century. He explained infantilism as a reflection of the fact that a person lives in an “unhealthy” environment or is in a “dependent” position on other people. In the second meaning, it is the simplification of knowledge and its replacement with external signs and imitation instead of thinking and real knowledge (F. Hebbel). In medicine, it is usually used to refer to a mental state characterized by the preservation in character, behavior, thinking and personality traits of traits that were characteristic of individuals in childhood and adolescence (childish spontaneity, naivety of judgment and emotional reactions, etc.).

The most common definition of infantilism is childishness in the views and behavior of an adult individual,