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Abstract

The aim was to evaluate a questionnaire for parents concerning their school-aged children's global maturity level. Immature children (n = 29) as reported by their parents were compared to a control group (n = 68). Immaturity was linked to a reduced general knowledge, a childish body appearance, problems with the fine motor function and problems with peers. The index group also had on average a lower test result in total score of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children and more commission errors in the Continuous Performance Test, both test results indicating a lower mental age.

The Sävsjö-school-project: a cluster-randomized trial aimed at improving the literacy of beginners—achievements, mental health, school satisfaction and reading capacity at the end of grade three using an alternative school curriculum

“…Swedish parents are familiar with this concept of “maturity”. To measure maturity the parents assessed their children on two items [25] as follows: In the first question, parents compared their child’s level of maturity to an average child of the same age on a 5-point likert scale (1 = very mature, 2 = somewhat mature, 3 = average, 4 = somewhat immature and 5 = very immature). In the second item, parents estimated their child’s perceived age, independently of chronological age.…”

“…At preschool start, parents filled in a questionnaire concerning their opinions of their children’s maturation [25], behavior and reaction when he/she was sad, afraid, anxious, irritated, etc. Based on this information, the teachers in the experimental group should be able to adapt individually to each child’s level of maturation and not misinterpret the children’s behavior, especially boys who react with restlessness and aggressive behavior when sad or disappointed.…”