Jungian Research Articles

“Cleansing the Heart” in Contemporary China: A Historical Evaluation of the Psychologization of the Book of Changes

This article examines the contemporary therapeutic use of the Yijing (the Book of Changes), a foundational text in Chinese divination and thought, from a global historical perspective. While Carl Jung viewed the Yijing as a tool to access the unconscious and treat neurosis, in China his ideas evolved into a means of reviving ancient teachings on the heart xin (heart) and reaffirming traditions of etiquette as alternatives to Western psychological models. My analysis focuses on the call for a “sinicization” ( Zhongguohua) of Jungian psychology by China’s first fully trained analytical psychologist, Shen Heyong, and his students. This article argues that recovering spiritual and moral ideals of xixin (cleansing the heart) in the Yijing through the lens of analytical psychology informs a therapeutic approach that, while sidestepping the psychologization of subjectivity, supports cosmological and ethical notions of the self in China and beyond.

Review of Gary Clark, Carl Jung and the Evolutionary Sciences: A New Vision for Analytical Psychology. London and New York: Routledge, 2025

Abstract Carl Jung and the Evolutionary Sciences: A New Vision for Analytical Psychology by Gary Clark returns to the anthropological theories of Jung’s time to assess whether they, and those of Jung’s ideas informed by them, remain useful for contemporary Jungian research in light of more recent scientific advances. This essay presents Clark’s central claims, including his validation of Jung’s use of supposedly discredited evolutionary beliefs, and evaluates whether Clark’s project truly represents ‘a new vision for analytical psychology’.

Nicholas Urfe’s Individuation and Existential Development in The Magus by John Fowles

This article attempts to establish a connection between Jungian analytical psychology and Albert Camus’s existentialism using the example of The Magus by John Fowles. The novel has already been analysed in the context of these theories separately (Ładuch 2022; Onega 1989). However, little has been said about the similarities between the two concepts and how Fowles’s narrative foregrounds them. Jung’s individuation is a process of acknowledging and exploring the archetypes, i.e., separate elements of the collective unconscious, while Camus’s philosophy deals primarily with the clash between the human urge for knowledge and the silence of the world. The article seeks to demonstrate that it is possible to depict a step-by-step personal development process from the writings of these authors and find similarities between them, especially with regard to their outcomes. Influenced by his experiences on Bourani, the protagonist of The Magus goes through individuation that blend elements of Jung’s and Camus’s visions. The “godgame” prepared for Nicholas by Maurice Conchis could be interpreted as both a realisation of the absurd and an opportunity to deal with archetypes. As a result of the experiment, the protagonist becomes authentic, starts to make an effort to maintain personal relationships, and establishes an individual moral code. Finally, the paper asserts that the process is circular, i.e., never-ending, and requires constant effort, which also corresponds with Jung’s and Camus’s frameworks.

Conjoining Bion’s Reading of C. G. Jung’s Memories, Dreams, Reflections with his Clinical Seminars in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo

AbstractThis author read W. R. Bion’s (1974) unpublished, personally annotated copy of C. G. Jung’s Memories, Dreams, Reflections (MDR). The interest here is to conjoin Bion’s reading of Jung with his own contemporaneous work. After setting out a context for Jung and Bion’s meeting one another in 1935, we look at Bion’s subsequent psychoanalytic development over the decades until 1974, particularly in the area of clinical intuition. The author takes up Bion’s clinical seminars in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo in 1974. He maintains that direct correlations can be made between Bion’s marginal comments in MDR and material that he directly lectured on in his 1974 clinical seminars. Bion’s interest here centred on the development of clinical intuition, dreams and precocious intellectual development. Even though he never mentioned Jung by name in 1974, it seems that Jung was clearly to the back of his mind as he lectured to his Brazilian colleagues in 1974. The fields of psychoanalysis and analytical psychology can be further enhanced by exploring how Bion and Jung’s ideas converge as well as diverge.

A Dialectical Perspective on Reflective Function and the Concept of Compensation in Jung.

The construct of mentalization has a growing resonance in the theoretical and clinical spheres across different clinical and psychotherapeutic approaches, including that of analytical psychology. The aim of this paper is to relate the Reflective Function to the concept of Compensation, as it was re-invented by Jung (1914). Beginning with the original reading proposed by Jung in his work about the "interpretation of Daniel's interpretation" of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, the authors go so far as to propose that the interpretation of dreams can be a method for critical confrontation with oneself. In this perspective, the reflective function and the compensation principle can be considered as promoters of a critical (re)view of one's own assumptions/attitudes through confrontation with other points of view. This critical (re)view must be conducted first of all in the interior life of the person. In clinical practice, reflective function and the concept of compensation serve as essential tools for seeing differently and reshaping one's understanding of self and others. A brief "modern" clinical case is provided to illustrate the practical application and therapeutic value of this approach.

Meeting the body in psychotherapy: A therapist’s experience

This paper explores the integration of drama and movement practices within a psychoanalytic and analytical psychology framework, reflecting on the author’s personal and professional journey. It highlights the therapeutic value of the arts for clients, emphasising their ability to access symbolic and unconscious material through embodied experiences. The author discusses how engaging with drama and movement practices can enhance a therapist’s therapeutic presence, fostering deeper presence, listening, and empathic connection with clients. It emphasises the importance of receptivity and presence in the therapeutic relationship and advocates for embracing creative relational embodied practices as a means of enriching therapeutic presence and facilitating profound exploration and healing within the psychotherapeutic process.

From Word Association Tests to Feeling-Toned Complexes. A Jungian Perspective on Trauma.

In this paper, I would like to highlight how the view of the psyche as a network of complexes is central to understanding how trauma works and its treatment from a Jungian perspective. Despite Jung's theory of complexes and his study of the splitting processes of the psyche being at the very core of his understanding of psychic functioning, analytical psychology has struggled to find its proper place in the international debate on trauma. The Word Association Tests (WAT) opened the way to Jung's first insights on the complex psyche, i.e., a psyche made up of complexes. Currently, the complex is a cornerstone concept in analytical psychology; it is understood as the smallest functional unit of the psychic structure and can become autonomous when there is "a so-called trauma, an emotional shock or some such thing, that splits off a bit of the psyche" (Jung,1934, para. 204). The work of Donald Kalsched on trauma and complexes has helped to further the debate on the role of the theory of complexes in Jungian analysis and practice. A clinical case is presented to highlight the functioning of the psyche when facing trauma and how analysis can work with split-off complexes throughout a whole analytic journey. Furthermore, similarities between the concepts of complexes-as seen in current analytical psychology-and emotional schemas as conceptualized by the Freudian analyst Wilma Bucci(2009) are highlighted.

Emotions and cognitive processes in labor activity: the role of emotional intelligence

The article is devoted to the study of the problem of the relationship between emotions and reason, as well as the phenomenon of emotional intelligence (furthermore - EI), which combines the ability to recognize and manage one's own emotions and the emotions of others. This paper examines the critical components of emotional intelligence, such as self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills, and their impact on the professional environment. A high level of emotional intelligence allows employees to more effectively cope with emotional stress, improve interpersonal relationships, motivate themselves and others, and make informed decisions in stressful situations. The article provides an overview of the main theories of emotions proposed in the context of analytical, cognitive, and domestic psychology, with the aim of expanding the understanding of emotional intelligence. The primary attention is paid to the analysis of theories that consider emotions as a result of physiological reactions or cognitive processes, as well as in the context of social learning and motivation. The critical aspects of the interaction of emotions with perception, motivation, and mental processes, as well as their role in the formation of the integrity of the personality and adaptation to the external environment, are considered. Essential accents are made on analyzing emotional reactions, assessing their significance for the subject, and searching for a connection between emotional states and cognitive activity. The article's conclusions emphasize the importance of EI as a critical factor in understanding emotional reactions, making it an essential element in psychological theory and practice.

진행성 암 29세 청년의 자기실현 사례연구: 모래놀이 상담으로 완화치료

This study is a case of a 29-year-old male diagnosed with advanced cancer (stage 4 colon cancer). The client came for counseling due to anxiety about uncertainty such as surgery, chemotherapy, and fear of death after being diagnosed with cancer. The theory applied self-actualization (individualization process) based on Jung’s analytical psychology. The four stages of self-actualization are for an individual to understand his or her inner world and find the true ‘me’. The first stage (session 6) is ‘differentiation from persona’, the second stage (sessions 7-8) is ‘consciousness of the shadow’. The third stage (sessions 9-13) is ‘fusion with anima’, and the fourth stage (sessions 14-15) is ‘self-actualization (individualization process)’. The client entered a world of light. With 3 months left until death, he integrated tconflicting things in the last 10th session of the sandbox. In this study, the client went to heaven. Through sand play counseling, the client’s anxiety and fear about death were alleviated, and he was able to accept death naturally and comfortably and organize his mind well. The client ended up with a “sacred marriage with death” as the wholeness of self-realization that had meaning.

사별한 30대 초반 여성의 모래놀이치료 사례연구: 부성 콤플렉스 관점에서

This study explored the sandplay therapy case of an early 30’s bereaved woman with focusing on father complex based on analytical psychology and sandplay theories. Client had the problem of relationships and emotional regulation and spiritless. Twenty-seven therapy sessions were held and the interpretation of the therapy process as followed. In the initial phase of therapy(1-5th sessions, neglect, the start of journey), she expressed unhealthy femininity which was a typical phenomenon for the daughter of father complex, neglect during early childhood and the journey of seeking femininity in the right front part of sandbox which was the area of femininity. In the intermediate phase of therapy(6-22nd sessions, seeking mature femininity), boats and shellfish showed the theme of seeking femininity. The image of puella aeterna was disappeared. Old ego seemed to disappear by showing apple trees and rainbow. New consciousness and new viewpoint of seeing others appeared. In the final phase of therapy(23-27th sessions, recovery of relationships), she expressed fruits as affluent energy. The solid self-existence appeared by showing stones. There were harmony, balance and union of the opposites. As a result, with the free of father complex, from the father’s daughter who didn’t experience the rite of passage as an adult properly, as she recovered femininity, her relationships with others were also revitalized. This study showed the effectiveness of sandplay therapy because the client’s understanding toward her parents and others, acceptance and tolerance in a real life with the transformation of inner world were broaden by sandplay therapy in the free and protected space.

죽음불안에 관한 분석심리학과 실존신학의 연구: 분석심리학자 칼 융과 실존신학자 폴 틸리히를 중심으로

Death anxiety is an integral part of being human. We have developed countless avoidance mechanisms against the anxiety. Jung concluded that neurotic anxieties were related with the aimlessness of life, and he resolved through religiosity. Theologian Tillich describes the cause of neurotic anxiety as the avoidance of non-existence by avoiding existence. The core of this anxiety is death anxiety, and the failure to face this anxiety leads to a dichotomy between life and death. All modern neurotic anxiety as the refusal to recognize death and life as two sides of the same coin, This paper examines Jung's and Tillich's theories of death anxiety and proposes a Christian counseling approach to overcoming death anxiety.

공작새 상징에 대한 연구

This study aims to explore the universal symbolic meanings of the peacock by examining its ecological characteristics and its depictions in myths and legends, fables, literary works, religion, and art. Based on these considerations, the study seeks to understand the symbolic meaning of the peacock in sandplay therapy cases from an analytical psychology perspective. The symbolism of peacocks was considered in six aspects: sacredness, good fortune and wealth, beauty, power (power), healing and regeneration, and immortality, and we looked at how these symbols were expressed in the process of sand play therapy. As a result of examining the symbolism of peacocks in the sand play treatment case, In the first case an adolescent client who was emotionally influenced by a mother experiencing stress and depression during pregnancy expressed their fundamental and unconscious inner sanctity. In the second case, it appeared in terms of the colorful and imposing power latent in the unconscious, and the third case in terms of the authoritative power that wanted to show off the pride of the peacock with its wings wide open. The last case was a case of a single mother woman in her 20s, who expressed the possibility of a detoxification action that allowed peacocks to heal and regenerate diseases from the harms of poisonous insects or poisonous snakes. She also demonstrated the process of realizing the state in which her elegant and noble beauty could not spread her wings and was latent in the unconscious through the peacock. Clients experienced the process of consciousness while expressing various hidden instincts through the symbolism of peacocks in sand play therapy, and for counselors, it is a significant study from the perspective of deeper understanding, empathy, and acceptance of clients.

Nature as the Sanctum for Introspection in Roethke's “Meditation at Oyster River”

The talent of Roethke is best seen in his poem “Meditation at Oyster River,” where the poet merges nature and introspection. While some might believe that the natural elements in the poem are simply part of the setting, these vivid images are intertwined with the concept of eternity and manifest the speaker’s rising understanding of a timeless existence. This can only be explained by observing in more detail Roethke’s life and his connection to nature. Nature, to Roethke, establishes a meditative tone that helps the speaker grasp the Buddhist concept of impermanence and leads to self realization, a process that can be understood from Jungian psychology as regression and progression, the two energetic transformations of the soul.

THE SYMBOLIC MEANING OF COLORS IN HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS

This study examines the symbolic meanings of colors in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling, utilizing archetypal criticism and Carl Jung's theory of archetypal symbols. Through a qualitative analysis, the research explores how color functions as a tool for conveying deep thematic elements, enhancing the narrative, and reflecting the emotional and psychological states of the characters. Colors such as red, gold, green, black, white, and blue are shown to symbolize various abstract concepts, including friendship, bravery, immortality, power, love, and death. For instance, red and gold are associated with Gryffindor House values like courage and friendship, while green symbolizes both dark power and the protective love of Harry’s mother. Black is linked to death and darkness, and white signifies purity and sacrifice. By investigating these symbolic associations, the study reveals how Rowling employs color as a narrative device to enrich the reader's understanding of the characters' journeys and the larger themes of good versus evil, sacrifice, and the pursuit of truth. This research highlights the significance of color symbolism as an integral part of the storytelling in the Harry Potter series, providing deeper insights into the novel's thematic layers and the psychological motivations of its characters.

Jungian Psychodrama and Nursing Education.

Nursing, by its philosophy, is the process of providing quality care with an existential, humanitarian and holistic approach. In this context, nursing education aims to develop the intellectual, emotional and social skills of students to the greatest extent by reinforcing them with ideals. The psychodrama method, which can be a significant part of the therapeutic process of individuation and self-realisation, may be seen as a way for this. Psychodrama, which is a group psychotherapy method, is practiced worldwide under different styles and schools for the therapeutic processes of individuals. Jungian psychodrama is an approach that combines analytical psychology and drama therapy and aims to discover and transform the inner worlds of individuals. This article discusses the fundamental concepts and principles of Jungian psychodrama, the relationships of psychodrama with the profession of nursing, education in this profession and how Jungian psychodrama can be employed in nursing.

Humanistic transformation and contemporary pathologies of normalcy impulses following the analytical social psychology of Erich Fromm

Humanistic transformation and contemporary pathologies of normalcy impulses following the analytical social psychology of Erich Fromm

The Self in the Consulting Room.

The realization of the Self, although the absolute basis of Jungian psychology, has internal inconsistencies, is difficult to understand, and offers a promise of realization that cannot be fulfilled. This has weakened it, and its existence is now one of speculation. If this is the case, what is to be done with it in the consulting room? How should it be introduced and accounted for, if at all? This paper suggests some alternatives but concludes that the myth of the Self has gravitas in other established traditions, and it is those that offer a more coherent framework for the emergence of the Self.

Jung's Shadow Archetype: Relevance to Women and Femininity and Coping Strategies

Until the late twentieth century women worldwide were classified as inferior, based on collective concepts ingrained in humankind as a whole. Women are indeed viewed as such in many parts of the world to this day. The collective world of the unconscious is a subject on which Jung elaborates. He also writes about the domain of archetypes, positing a universal program according to which humankind acts and is acted upon, involving superstructures and depths. The word archetype is composed of the prefix "archi", meaning primal, original, and "type", meaning pattern or model. It thus refers to a template that is built into the human psyche at an early stage. Archetypes project a primeval, panhuman image that derives in its entirety from the collective unconscious. This unconscious contains memories and content belonging to humanity as a whole, constituting a common tissue connecting all mortals at all times. The reference is thus to a mega-program that serves as the inspiration for the creation of unique personal programs for each individual. Key archetypes according to Jung's theory include, among others: the universal mother, primal man, the ego, the child, God, birth and death, and personality. The two central archetypes discussed herein are the "shadow" and "anima and animus."

Ego Involvement and the Law of Exercise: Memorization as a Function of Ego Involvement in Folklore Scholarship and Anthropology

The article is a component in my “Folkloric Behavior”, a total innovation within my “Folkloric Behavior” (1967), which introduced a theoretical system for analyzing a folkloric phenomenon in a cognitive verifiable context. The universal psychosocial principles constituting the system were applied to a real (live) community: the ethnic Arabs living in Brooklyn, N.Y., USA, with particular emphasis on the Egyptian component. This approach stood in sharp contrast to the dominant Freudian psychoanalytic and Jungian analytical psychology theories that dominate this field. Terms, concepts, and processes offered in this innovative work are currently being used—often in isolation of their academic home and systemic links-- in various folklore fields. Examples of current usage are: “ego-involvement”, “learning process”, “extinction”, “motivation”, “intervening stimuli/cues [(re-presented as) “negotiations”, etc.). Ironically, my founding work on “Folkloric Behavior” is hardly ever evaluated or even mentioned. It would be useful to afford students of folk traditions and other readers the benefits of research objectivity of tracking the temporal sequence in which these key issues appeared in folklore scholarship. This step would be required for also establishing the history of ideas in a discipline.

WOMEN IN THE LIFE AND WORK OF JUNG: THE INFLUENCE AND INSPIRATION

The article is devoted to the role of women in the work and life of Karl Gustav Jung, one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century. The relations with women and female images not only shed light on Jung’s personal life, but also give an idea of how gender dynamics manifested itself in the field of psychoanalysis during the psychotherapist’s time. The religious beliefs of Jung’s mother and her visions of ghosts influenced his concept of the collective unconscious. His wife Emma played a decisive role in the formation of analytical psychology. Female patients made an important contribution to Jung’s ideas about the shadow, archetypes and self. In general, women who influenced Jung played a decisive role in his development as a thinker and helped to form his theory. Their influence can be seen in various aspects of his work, from the concept of the collective unconscious to the theories of anima and animus. The article shows that women were not only objects of study for Jung, but also important participants in the development of his ideas.