Peer Review Abstract
Jung’s analytical theory of personality is based on four functions, such as sensation, intuition, thinking, and feeling (DiCaprio, 2010). Jung considered humans to be equal since they all possess those four functions. He also claimed that variations in personality were based on the strength of those functions within individuals (Hall & Lindzey, 2007). Jung analyzed the theory of personality and argued regarding the self and ego as well as the process of individuation in human beings (Goodwin, 2008).
Introduction
Carl Jung shared a belief that personal awareness is divided into three levels, the consciousness, the individual unconscious, and the collective unconscious (DiCaprio, 2010). His expressions were a reflection of humans’ progressive role in achieving individualization. Jung suggested that individual consciousness and unconsciousness are to unite. He proposed that human dreams can reveal personal issues like sexuality and tendencies to violence (Goodwin, 2008). The behavior of an individual is influenced by a combination of expected outcomes and past dealings (DiCaprio, 2010).
Carl Jung
Jung stated that the study of human psychological functioning was performed through a holistic process, whereby the three levels of the human psyche worked in conjunction. Human beings possess both personal thoughts and the collective unconscious, which contain personal memories drawn from experiences (Hall & Lindzey, 2007). Unless the conscious and unconscious are in harmony with each other, human beings appear to malfunction.
Jung’s theory of individuation is based on his belief that human beings are born perfect and have the ability to achieve different goals. Individuation involves an ongoing process of one’s understanding of self, which defines human maturity. As such, his analysis is aimed at assisting patients in improving their wholeness and building on their spirit. This process involves integrating the unconscious elements into consciousness (Hall & Lindzey, 2007).
Individuation requires extensive knowledge of one’s abilities and skills. The individuation is achieved by embracing personal uniqueness and private identity. It is necessary to combine various elements, including dreams, imagination, and religious beliefs, to unite the conscious with the unconscious (DiCaprio, 2010).
Psychological development occurs when creativity is released in multiple spheres of life. Creativity can be expressed in the form of art, philosophy, or spirituality due to the symbolic nature of the unconscious mind. As such, people should be receptive to the various symbols that they encounter since they may have unconventional meanings. The primary reason for dreaming is to restore balance in an individual’s psychological makeup (DiCaprio, 2010).
Conclusion
Individual personality dependent on the person’s innate inclinations determines the manner in which one develops. It is necessary for children and adolescents to have a complete understanding of their personality type in order to identify their strengths. Such knowledge can provide them with psychological safety and help their parents and teachers understand the differences among children. Due to these unique contributions, Jung’s findings continue being influential in subjects pertaining to personality theory (Hall & Lindzey, 2007).
References
DiCaprio, N. S. (2010). Carl Jung and Analytical Psychology. Personality Theory in Context, 15, 60 – 92.
Goodwin, C. J. (2008). A History of Modern Psychology. (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Hall, C. S., & Lindzey, G. (2007). Personality Theories. Psychology: Exploring Behavior, 21, 429-460.