Peter Pan syndrome

For other uses, see Peter Pan syndrome (disambiguation).
See also: Puer aeternus
Peter Pan syndrome
Illustration of Peter Pan playing the pipes, by F. D. Bedford from Peter and Wendy
Coined byDan Kiley

Peter Pan Syndrome is a pop psychology term used to describe an adult who is socially immature.[1] It refers to “never-growing” adults who have reached an adult age, but cannot face their adult sensations and responsibilities. The term is a metaphor based on the concept of not growing up and being trapped in childhood.[2] Individuals with Peter Pan Syndrome display behaviours associated with immaturity and a reluctance to grow up. They have difficulties in social and professional relationships because of their irresponsible behaviours and narcissistic properties. While it has often only been associated with males in the past, it can affect anyone, regardless of sex or gender.

The term has been used informally by both laypeople and some psychology professionals since the 1983 publication of The Peter Pan Syndrome: Men Who Have Never Grown Up, by Dr. Dan Kiley.[3] While Peter Pan Syndrome is not recognised by the World Health Organization and is not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), it has a significant overlap with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).[4] Individuals with NPD exhibit a similar pattern of selfishness; however, they also tend to hold a much higher degree of self-importance and entitlement.[5]

  1. ^ Kalkan, Melek; Batık, Meryem Vural; Kaya, Leyla; Turan, Merve (June 2021). "Peter Pan Syndrome "Men Who Don't Grow": Developing a Scale". Men and Masculinities. 24 (2): 245–257. doi:10.1177/1097184X19874854. ISSN 1097-184X. S2CID 203437422.
  2. ^ Groh, Lucille Sider; Lane, Bethann (March 1988). "Overcoming the Peter Pan Syndrome: Grieving in Psychotherapy". Journal of Pastoral Care. 42 (1): 39–44. doi:10.1177/002234098804200105. ISSN 0022-3409. S2CID 149286306.
  3. ^ Kiley, Dan (June 1, 1983). The Peter Pan Syndrome: Men Who Have Never Grown Up. Avon Books. ISBN 978-0-380-68890-6.
  4. ^ Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5 (5th ed.). Washington: American psychiatric association. 2013. ISBN 978-0-89042-554-1.
  5. ^ "Peter Pan Syndrome May Have You Saying, 'I Don't Want To Grow Up'". Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved 2024-03-12.