GENDER-RELATED FEATURES OF EMOTIONAL MATURITY AND THEIR IMPACT ON PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING IN EARLY ADULTHOOD

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive and comprehensive analysis of gender characteristics of emotional maturity in early adulthood, as well as determining their significant impact on the psychological well-being of individuals. The study examines the key components of emotional maturity, such as emotional self-awareness, empathy, self-control, and self-regulation, and reveals significant differences between men and women in these aspects. The results of the study show that women have a higher level of emotional sensitivity, which provides them with a deeper and more accurate recognition, awareness, and verbalization of their own emotions and the feelings of those around them. This contributes to better social adaptation, active interpersonal communication, and the formation of deep relationships, which plays an important role in maintaining their psychological balance. Men, on the other hand, possess characteristic emotional balance, stability, and restraint, which help them function effectively under stress and emotional strain. However, the reduction in the verbalization of their feelings and emotional experiences creates obstacles to receiving the necessary emotional support, which can negatively affect their psychological health and cause internal conflicts. The author of the article also consider a wide range of biological factors that influence the formation of gender differences in the emotional sphere–hormonal regulation and brain organization, which provide the neurophysiological basis for emotional responses. Considerable attention is paid to sociocultural influences, among which social norms, stereotypes, traditions, as well as upbringing and socialization of the individual through family, educational, and cultural institutions play a central role. They form specific patterns of emotional behavior, reinforce role models and expectations that determine different approaches of men and women to managing emotions. The study emphasizes the importance of considering differentiated stress response strategies: women are more likely to resort to emotional introspection and internal reflection, which increases their vulnerability to anxiety and depression. Men mostly implement externally oriented reactions–aggression, irritability, avoidance, or denial of emotional experiences, which can lead to the accumulation of psycho-emotional tension and chronic stress. In general, the results obtained indicate the need to introduce gender-sensitive approaches in psychological practice aimed at developing emotional maturity, optimizing emotional regulation, and forming adaptive mechanisms for overcoming stress in early adulthood. This is important for maintaining psychological well-being and improving the quality of life for both men and women in modern society.