Christian Roesler – Archetype Theory for the 21st century: A revised Conceptualization
May 17, 2024 at 01:41PM
ABSTRACT
In the field of analytical psychology, the ambiguity surrounding archetypes and the collective unconscious persists, hindering meaningful discourse. Christian Roesler addresses the historical debate initiated by Jung, which conflates two distinct issues: the existence of universal mental capacities and the theory of archetypes. Rather than dwelling on the controversial origins of archetypes, Roesler proposes a revised conceptualization that focuses on their role in psychological transformation. Drawing on clinical observations, such as recurring motifs in dreams, and re-examining anthropological and mythological narratives, he seeks to validate the presence and characteristics of these universal patterns. In addition, recent advances in archaeogenetics shed light on cultural exchange between early human populations, suggesting that similarities in religious beliefs, mythology and imagery transcend biological inheritance. Consequently, the focus is shifting from biological pathways to cultural transmission as the primary mechanism behind universal archetypes.
BIO
Prof. Dr. Dipl.-Psych. Christian Roesler is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the Catholic University of Applied Sciences in Freiburg and Professor of Analytical Psychology at the University of Basel and Associate Professor of Psychotherapy Sciences at Sigmund Freud University Linz/Austria. He works as a Jungian psychoanalyst in private practice in Freiburg and is member of the faculty of the C.G. Jung-Institutes in Stuttgart and Zurich as well as at the Psychoanalytical training institute (DGPT) at the University Clinic Freiburg. He holds a membership in professional organizations such as DGAP, IAAP, IAAP Research Committee, International Research Network in Analytical Psychology INFAP3 and the German Association of Professors of Psychoanalysis. He is specialised in working with couples and families and interpretive research methods. His research and publications touch upon the topics of Analytical Psychology and contemporary sciences, (clinical) dream research, couple and family therapy, postmodern identity construction, narrative research and media psychology.
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