Embarking on the SAFE Route: Exploring the Psychological Maturity Scale.

Abstract

Psychological maturity has been a subject of interest in various cultures, but a comprehensive instrument tailored to specific cultural contexts has been lacking. Existing scales often do not consider relevant cultural factors, creating a gap in psychological research. This study aimed to address this gap by introducing the "Psychological Maturity Scale" designed to be culturally sensitive. This study used a cross-sectional design to develop and validate the scale across diverse age groups, involving 2 sample groups of 194 and 213 individuals. The study included exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and reliability and validity tests. The scale was also compared with established metrics like the Life Satisfaction and Positive-Negative Affect Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. The research yielded a 4-dimensional model to understand psychological maturity, represented by the acronym SAFE, which stands for Self-Awareness, Autonomy, Flexibility, and Ego Resilience. The findings indicated that the scale is valid and reliable. Additionally, it was concluded that the dimensions of the developed scale are consistent with theoretical explanations. This scale is more than just an assessment tool; it serves as a culturally sensitive framework and is a crucial, fine-tuned instrument for future psychological research.