Relationship between Emotional Maturity and Psychological Distress among a Clinical population.

Abstract

Abstract Emotional maturity plays an important role in helping individuals regulate their emotions, cope with stressful situations, and maintain psychological well-being. In contrast, poor emotional maturity may increase an individual's vulnerability to stress, anxiety, and depression. Aim: The present study examined to assess the level of emotional maturity and psychological distress and to examine the relationship between emotional maturity and psychological distress patients undergoing mental health treatment. Methodology: The study was carried out in the Psychiatry Outpatient Department of Baba Raghav Das Medical College and Hospital, Gorakhpur. A total of 38 participants aged between 18–25 years, diagnosed with depression and anxiety, were selected through purposive sampling. Emotional maturity was assessed using the Emotional Maturity Scale (EMS) developed by Singh and Bhargava, while psychological distress was measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation. Result: The correlation analysis showed a significant positive relationship between Emotional Maturity Scale score and Psychological Distress. Since, it shows reverse scoring- higher the score on emotional maturity scale indicates greater the degree of the emotional immaturity and vice- versa, the findings suggest that participants who are emotionally immature experienced higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Conclusion: The study concluded that emotional maturity is closely associated with psychological distress among the clinical population. Strengthening emotional maturity may help individuals develop healthier emotional regulation and coping strategies, which could contribute to reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.