Split with Freud

The development of Jung’s analytical psychology can be traced to the development

of his relationship with Sigmund Freud and the subsequent split

that occurred between the two theorists. In 1906 Jung published a book

which concerned the psychoanalytic treatment of schizophrenia. He sent a

copy of this book to Freud, who was thoroughly impressed by Jung’s work.

Jung became one of the strongest Freudian advocates from 1907 to 1912.

During this time he collaborated with Freud and was viewed by many within

psychoanalytic circles as the heir apparent to Freud. Jung had, in fact, been

elected president of the prestigious International Psychoanalytic Association.

In 1913 and 1914, however, he abandoned Freud and his psychoanalytic

theory. Three basic problems led to this split. The first was Freud’s emphasis

on sexuality. Jung believed that while sexual instincts did exist, they

should not be emphasized at the expense of other relevant aspects of the

psyche. Second, Jung believed that Freud overemphasized abnormality. He

maintained that Freud appeared to have little to say about the normal aspects

of human nature. Finally, unlike Freud, Jung wished to emphasize the

biology of the species rather than the biology of the individual.

The split between Freud and Jung was important for practical as well as

theoretical reasons. Jung was rejected for a period of time by other analytically

oriented thinkers because of his split with Freud. In addition, the break

with Freud led Jung to experience a mental crisis which lasted for several

years. This combination of factors eventually led Jung to conclude that he

must develop his own view of the psyche, along with appropriate treatment

techniques.

While the challenges encountered by Jung in his life were difficult to

overcome, they clearly played a major role in his ability to develop the most

complex theory of personality ever formulated. His key concepts and psychic

structures, including the collective unconscious, personal unconscious,

archetypes, self, and personality typology, continue to be among the most interesting

theoretical contributions in the history of personality psychology.

Sources for Further Study

Brome, Vincent. Jung: Man and Myth. New York: Granada, 1980. This is a

sound biography of Jung and discussion of his work. Perhaps its main advantage

is that it provides an analysis which is fair to both Jung and his

critics.

Freud, Sigmund, and C. G. Jung. The Freud/Jung Letters. Edited by William

McGuire. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1988. Provides a

unique analysis of the development of the relationship between Freud

and Jung. Accurately portrays the promise of unity and collaboration

within the relationship in its early years, beginning around 1907, and exposes

the problems that eventually led to the Freud/Jung split, which was

complete by 1914. Provides a context for examining the remainder of

Jung’s work and the personal problems that he was to encounter following

his split with Freud.

Hannah, Barbara. Jung, His Life and Work: A Biographical Memoir. Wilmette,

Ill.: Chiron, 1997. This positive biographical view of Jung is provided by a

Jungian analyst who was a friend and colleague of Jung for three decades.

While it may not be as objectively written as other accounts, it has the advantage

of being written by a scholar who had firsthand knowledge of

many of Jung’s ideas.

Jung, C. G. Memories, Dreams, Reflections. 1963. Reprint. New York: Vintage

Books, 1989. Jung’s autobiography. It thoroughly portrays the evolution

of his thinking, including all those factors that were critical to his theoretical

conceptions. Essential reading for anyone interested in gaining further

insights into Jung and his work, even though his writing is often difficult

to follow.

__________. Psychological Types. Rev. ed. London: Routledge, 1989. Provides

both an overview of the basic principles of Jung’s theory and an analysis

of the derivation of the attitudes and functions that yield his psychological

types. Particularly important to those who are interested in the derivation

of Jung’s view of typology.

Noll, Richard. The Jung Cult: Origins of a Charismatic Movement. New York:

Free Press, 1997. Noll suggests that Jung’s theories spawned not so much

a psychology as a religious cult, based in nineteenth century occultism,

neopaganism, and social Darwinism. Highly controversial.

Shamdasani, Sonu. Cult Fictions: C. G. Jung and the Founding of Analytical Psychology.

Jung: Man and Myth. New York: Granada, 1980. This is a