Infantilism

Infantilism refers to the retention of childlike traits or behaviors in an adult. This can manifest psychologically, socially, or physically. It can involve an emotional immaturity, characterized by dependence, petulance, and a lack of responsibility, or it can involve a physical condition such as a delay in the development of certain secondary sexual characteristics or a lack of overall physical maturity, which can be caused by several physiological and psychological factors. The concept often relates to a regression to earlier stages of development, either as a coping mechanism or a reflection of unresolved developmental challenges. It also can reflect a societal trend, sometimes, the cultural adoption of juvenile trends by adults or prolonged adolescence.

Infantilism meaning with examples

• After the stressful divorce, he displayed increasing infantilism, refusing to handle his finances, constantly seeking his mother's advice for everyday tasks, and throwing temper tantrums when things didn't go his way. The therapist identified the behavior as a regression to his childhood, a subconscious effort to avoid the responsibilities of adulthood and the emotional pain of the divorce. This impacted his professional performance and strained relationships.
• The movie's portrayal of the villain showed him experiencing a specific kind of infantilism. The adult antagonist had a fixation with childlike toys, an obsessive need for validation, and a tendency to express rage in a way more closely associated with toddlers. The director used these cues to portray an inner emotional immaturity as a source of their evil, as a way to show their inability to deal with moral concepts of the adult world.
• The trend of 'adulting' has been criticized for promoting infantilism by glorifying basic life skills like cooking or laundry as significant achievements. Critics argue it fosters a sense of prolonged dependence and immaturity, preventing individuals from taking on genuine adult responsibilities and developing resilience. This view is countered by those who perceive the trend as a way of making self-care look less daunting, and thereby encourage them to care for their own well-being.
• Her physical presentation, as a performer, often demonstrated a form of infantilism. The style was characterized by a deliberately high-pitched voice, the adoption of childish mannerisms, and the use of simplistic, often nonsensical lyrics. This theatrical adoption, while embraced by some audiences for its perceived naiveté and charm, was criticized by others as being a cynical manipulation designed to capitalize on trends for profit.