Surabaya – Emotional maturity during early adulthood is shaped by far more than age alone. A systematic review conducted by Asmaul Chusna, Suhadianto, and IGAA Noviekayati from University of August 17, 1945 Surabaya found that emotional maturity is influenced by a combination of personal characteristics, family relationships, social support, economic conditions, and cultural environments. Published in 2026 in the East Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (EAJMR), the study synthesizes empirical evidence from several countries, providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors that help young adults develop emotional stability and psychological resilience.
Early adulthood is widely recognized as one of the most challenging stages of human development. During this period, individuals begin establishing careers, building long-term romantic relationships, preparing for marriage, and assuming greater social and financial responsibilities. Successfully navigating these developmental tasks requires emotional maturity, which enables individuals to regulate emotions, make rational decisions, and adapt effectively to life's changing demands.
Despite these expectations, global mental health statistics indicate that young adults remain among the most psychologically vulnerable age groups. Rising rates of anxiety, depression, and the increasingly recognized quarter-life crisis demonstrate that many young adults struggle to cope with emotional challenges during their transition into adulthood. Similar patterns have also been reported in Indonesia, where people aged 15 to 24 experience one of the highest rates of depression compared with other age groups. These trends highlight the growing importance of understanding the factors that contribute to emotional maturity during this critical life stage.
To address this issue, Asmaul Chusna and colleagues conducted a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) following the internationally recognized Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Instead of collecting data directly from participants, the researchers systematically examined empirical studies published between 2022 and 2025. Relevant articles were identified through ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar using keywords related to emotional maturity and early adulthood.
The selection process was rigorous. From an initial pool of 560 published articles, 140 duplicate records were removed. After several stages of screening based on titles, abstracts, and full-text eligibility, only nine studies met all inclusion criteria for detailed analysis. These studies represented research conducted in Iran, India, Turkey, Russia, the Philippines, and Indonesia, providing valuable cross-cultural perspectives on emotional maturity among young adults.
The review identified intrapersonal factors as the strongest contributors to emotional maturity. These include emotional intelligence, self-awareness, self-compassion, emotional regulation, optimism, self-reflection, and personal growth. Individuals who are capable of recognizing and managing their emotions effectively tend to demonstrate greater emotional stability, stronger resilience, healthier interpersonal relationships, and better decision-making when facing life's challenges.
The study also highlighted the significant role of social support. Positive relationships with family members, romantic partners, friends, and the broader community provide opportunities for individuals to develop healthier emotional responses. Research included in the review showed that social support contributes to emotional maturity and strengthens marriage readiness among young adults. Parenting practices were likewise identified as important influences on emotional development from adolescence into adulthood.
Beyond personal and interpersonal influences, contextual factors also play a substantial role. Research conducted in Russia demonstrated that economic well-being, life experiences, and parental responsibilities contribute to changes in adult mindsets and emotional development. Individuals who face greater social responsibilities often develop stronger emotional regulation and decision-making abilities because real-life experiences require them to become more adaptive and resilient.
The review further identified moral and spiritual values as important contributors to emotional maturity. Personal responsibility, ethical values, and commitment to self-development help individuals cope with emotional challenges and life pressures. These influences appeared more frequently in collectivist societies, where social responsibility and commitment to family and community are highly valued.
Interestingly, the researchers also found inconsistencies across countries. One example involves gender differences. Some studies reported that women demonstrated higher levels of emotional maturity, while others found no significant differences or even opposite patterns. These inconsistencies are likely influenced by cultural values, research methods, participant characteristics, and social expectations in different countries.
According to Asmaul Chusna and colleagues from the University of August 17, 1945 Surabaya, emotional maturity should be viewed as the result of complex interactions between psychological characteristics, family environments, social relationships, life experiences, and cultural influences. Consequently, promoting emotional maturity requires more than individual effort. Families, educational institutions, communities, and mental health professionals all have important roles in creating environments that support healthy emotional development.
The findings carry significant implications for education, psychology, and public policy. Universities can strengthen students' emotional resilience by developing emotional intelligence training, interpersonal skills programs, and resilience-building initiatives that prepare young adults for academic, professional, and family life. Families can also contribute by providing supportive environments that encourage emotional growth from an early age.
The researchers further recommend future studies using longitudinal and mixed-method approaches to better understand how emotional maturity develops across different stages of adulthood and cultural settings. Emerging digital technologies, including artificial intelligence-assisted counseling and mental health support systems, may also offer promising opportunities for improving emotional well-being among younger generations.
Overall, the study reinforces that emotional maturity is not simply a consequence of getting older. Instead, it develops through continuous interaction between self-awareness, emotional regulation, supportive relationships, meaningful life experiences, and positive environmental influences. Individuals who strengthen these dimensions are more likely to experience healthier psychological development, stronger resilience, and greater overall well-being throughout adulthood.
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Article Title: Factors Influencing Emotional Maturity in Early Adulthood: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Journal: East Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (EAJMR), Vol. 5, No. 7, 2026.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/eajmr.v5i7.228
Journal Link: https://journaleajmr.my.id/index.php/eajmr
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