The Abyss Experience and the Trauma Complex: A Jungian Perspective of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Dissociation

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article analyzes Carl G. Jung's theory of universal archetypes and complexes in the context of understanding traumatic experiences and the development of PTSD and dissociation. First, Jung's idea of psychological complexes as emotionally formed constellations of experiences centered around a unifying theme are discussed. Second, Jung set forth eight dimensions of constellated complexes, which are reviewed and compared to the core processes of PTSD, dissociation and their associated features. Based on comparisons to Jung's model of generic complexes, it is possible to define the Trauma Complex as a set of psychological processes which are archaic and typical, i.e., “archetypal.” The Abyss Experience is discussed as the core set of fear based emotional responses inherent in traumatic experiences and integral to understanding the unconscious dynamic of traumas impact to psychological functioning, with implications for psychotherapy. The implications of the Trauma Complex are discussed as a more inclusive psychodynamic conceptualization of PTSD and dissociative processes. The inner and outer worlds of trauma (i.e., conceptual paradigms) are explored from different etiological models. By identifying the underlying structures of the Trauma Complex and the Trauma Archetype, a wide array of post-traumatic intrapsychic dynamics involving the self, unconscious mechanisms, dissociative processes and symptom manifestations can be seen in a psychodynamic framework.