Not all children and adolescents want to "grow up" psychologically. Instead, regardless of the economy, they choose to stay at home with their parents, creating stress and burdens for their families and, in some cases, doing irreversible damage. This unwillingness to accept adult social roles and responsibility is known as "Peter Pan Syndrome," according to psychologist Dan Kiley, who defined the term in 1983.
Although many professionals in the field of psychology—as well as society as a whole—have accepted this term, the syndrome is not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and the American Psychiatric Association does not recognize it as a mental disorder.
Peter Pan Syndrome is named for the well-known fictional character in J.M. Barrie's early 20th-century stories and play. Peter Pan lives in Neverland, a place where children are exempt from becoming adults or aging. Peter Pan Syndrome is the belief that one will never—and should never—grow up. It affects people who do not want or feel unable to grow up, resulting in a person with an adult body but a child's mind.
While the syndrome can affect both males and females, it is more prevalent among men and is increasing. Peter Pans view the adult world as problematic and worship adolescence, which is why they choose to stay in a child's state of mind. Some characteristics of the disorder are extreme narcissism, the inability to take on adult social roles and accountabilities, or to make and carry out promises.
Kiley writes that the biggest disadvantage of the disorder is that the individuals who suffer from Peter Pan Syndrome do not feel as though they are part of the problem and are not aware of it. To date, the only solution for Peter Pan Syndrome is the correct psychological therapy, not only centered on the individual who suffers from the disorder, but also their significant others and family.
In Joe's case (read "I Don't Want To Grow Up"), some characteristics of Peter Pan Syndrome may have caused him not to not take full responsibility for his physical health, such as getting a yearly physical.
However, after hearing Dr. Quinn's medical advice, Joe assumed responsibility for his health and let go of the assumption that being "young at heart" means having a teenager's arteries.
It's important to grasp when it's time to grow up. Neverland does not exist, and life can't always be fun and games. Taking responsibility is key to having the things that matter to us the most, including our health.
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