Archetype theory: Critique and new conceptualization

The author provides a summary of his book Deconstructing Archetype Theory. On the basis of a thorough analysis of this theory, he first established that there is confusion regarding the definition of archetypes in analytical psychology. In fact, Jung’s archetype theory contains not one, but several different theoretical strands. While Jung’s biologistic and anthropological arguments in particular must be regarded as refuted, the idea of a universal form of a transformation process in psychotherapy is examined in more detail. Nevertheless, there are striking differences between Jung’s model and those of other psychodynamic schools. It was Jung’s endeavour to create a map of this universal transformation process in order to inform psychotherapeutic work. However, there is a glaring lack of solid research on Jung’s conceptions and a concerted effort is called for in analytical psychology to develop appropriate research strategies. The paper concludes with a summary of what remains of archetype theory.