Integrity or integration: an essay on a very Chinese dilemma

Abstract

Currently, in China, there is a fever for psychoanalysis. Most therapists claim that they practise an integrated psychoanalytically oriented therapy, which means they learn and apply all techniques and theories, regardless of the differences and conflicts between them. Such "integration" represents an inclusive attitude with its underlying ideology of collectivism. It can be found throughout Chinese daily life, such as the way a good marriage is said to carry collective decisions of extended families and social expectations. And due to such an ideology, China has adopted a very different strategy from other countries to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic. I point out that another attitude, "integrity"—standing for individual differences and valuing personal autonomy and boundaries—has been lacking, which causes many psychological problems and might be the main reason for people seeking help from psychotherapy. Hence, a very typical modern dilemma is how to achieve a balance between integrity and integration. I argue that "moral imagination"—covering the attitudes of forgiveness without blame and embracing conflict and pluralism—could be one of the solutions. Such tendency has been shown amongst young generations, particularly young psychotherapists.