The Mature Adult Coachee: Key Characteristics

Psychological Maturity in Adulthood

Within the heterogeneity of people, adulthood is often conceptually linked to psychological maturity.

However, maturity is not simply a matter of chronological age, but a set of developed characteristics and capacities.

One author (Fierro, according to the original source, although we will not mention the name) argues that an adult can be considered psychologically mature when he or she meets a series of criteria that reflect stability, self-awareness, adaptability and proactive management of one's life.

These characteristics are relevant in the context of coaching, since a coachee with greater psychological maturity is usually better prepared for the process of self-discovery and change.

Stability, Consistency and Adaptability

A mature person tends to be relatively stable and consistent in their behavior over time. Their actions are not erratic, but reflect a recognizable pattern.

However, this stability does not imply rigidity; he is also capable of adapting his behavior to changes in the environment or to new circumstances.

Moreover, as a result of a process of development over the years and experience, he has differentiated himself from other people, shaping himself as a singular and unique individual.

Self-knowledge and Self-regulation

Maturity implies a realistic self-knowledge. The person knows, perceives and values him/herself in an adjusted way, without serious distortions in his/her self-concept. He is able to recognize both his strengths and weaknesses.

Linked to this, she performs self-referential and self-regulatory actions to a sufficient degree to achieve, with some efficacy, some control over her own life.

He is not a mere passive spectator, but actively intervenes in the direction of his existence.

Decision Making, Adaptation and Resilience

A mature adult is capable of making reasonable decisions that are relevant to himself, even under conditions of uncertainty. He does not become paralyzed in the absence of absolute certainties.

He shows a dual adaptive capacity: he adapts to external situations and circumstances, but at the same time acts to adapt those situations to his own needs.

In addition, he shows resilience by being able to cope with adverse events that affect him and complex situations that arise.

Discernment, Meaningful Action and Vital Wisdom

The mature person knows how to discern when he is helpless and dependent on external forces, and when he is not, recognizing the circumstances that he does have, at least in part, under his control. He falls neither into omnipotence nor into total helplessness.

He transforms biological activation (impulses, energy) into orderly and meaningful activity, not mere purposeless activism.

It is guided by the wisdom of life, recognizing what is necessary within a hierarchy of needs adjusted to reason.

Open Patterns and Self-Care

Finally, the mature adult develops