In consideration of C. G. Jung's individuation process for healing narcissistic woundedness: The pathologies of addiction and multiple addictio

The dissertation is divided into four chapters. Chapter 1 formulates and discusses the question of addiction and multiple addiction, also known as polyaddiction. Current views and considerations are explained about the addicted personality. Underlying pathological features of narcissism and self-destruction are mentioned as characteristics of this pathology. Early childhood deprivation is mentioned as a catalyst in addiction.;Chapter 2 describes Jungian theory and the structure of the psyche. Importance is given to understanding these theories and concepts through a symbolic and empirical means. This discussion leads into the central issues of narcissism, puer, puella and the negative mother complex. Ego theorists are mentioned and collaborated with Jungian theory. At different points, the psychology of addiction is integrated into the theories of depth psychology. Childhood mourning of narcissistic losses, building of self-esteem through ego psychology and transformation through the psychodynamics of analytical psychology are exposed.;Chapter 3 describes eleven addicted people who have had Jungian therapy over a course of several months. Disclosure is made about their phase of addiction or multiple addiction. Informative data are given regarding family background, whether or not either parent had an addiction, siblings and significant others. Included in the personal background data collected are age, place of birth, education, professional status and/or current job employment.;Emphasized in Chapter 3 are the theories and contributions of C. G. Jung through the analytical processes of the eleven addicted individuals described in Chapter 3. Through a questionnaire or recorded interview, each individual surveyed was able to encapsulate his or her own phenomena of addictive life and subsequent recovery. Through unusual testimony of consciousness and unconsciousness, these individuals clarified what their particular addictions were like, what they experienced, and what life is like now. They are not unusual; however, each recovery is different. They share their dreams, their fantasies, and their active imaginations as part of their healing. They share their spiritual awakening as a progression. The integration of the spiritual and the psyche form the recovery.;Chapter 4 realizes the interior properties of depth psychology and finding the Self. Through depth psychology and its psychodynamic theories of transference set against the archetypal wounded healer as therapist, a client can discover greater awareness of the God within. Explanation is given to the theory that recovery from addiction is a process, a spiritual and progressive journey. The dissertation concludes with a summary and suggestions are offered in areas requiring further study, acknowledging the fact that the present work in Jungian psychology for addiction and recovery is but a beginning.