The word childlike has a positive connotation and describes behavior that is innocent or pure, often associated with childhood. However, when it comes to describing someone who is immature or who does not take things seriously, the word childish is used in a negative way. People with a childlike personality often have a creative, spontaneous and fun-loving nature. They tend to have a wide circle of friends and enjoy social activities. However, they also have a tendency to be impulsive and disorganized.
A childlike person can be unpredictable and erratic. They can be highly emotional and are prone to outbursts of anger. They may also show a childish tendency to lie, blame others and avoid responsibility. These characteristics can lead to problems with relationships. In extreme cases, adults who exhibit childish behavior are categorized as having clinical disorders such as dependent personality disorder, narcissistic personality, histrionic personality and borderline personality disorder.
Some individuals exhibit childlike behaviors due to a difficult or traumatic childhood. In these instances, it is important to seek professional help in order to manage the behaviors and regain a sense of maturity. This can be achieved through psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy. Medications and lifestyle changes may also be beneficial. For stroke survivors who display childlike behaviors, pursuing psychotherapy can be helpful in identifying the causes of their behavior and finding healthy ways to manage it. It can also be a good way to learn how to recognize and avoid triggering situations.