Celibacy and individuation : a Jungian perspective

The aim of this study is to answer the question: is celibacy psychologically heal thy with specific reference to Christianity? Jungian theory is utilized to develop a theoretical framework in which celibacy may be viewed. The meaning of celibacy is initially examined from a Christian perspective as a form of love and contrasted with celibacy's meaning and implications from a Jungian perspective. This is done by means of a comprehensive exposition of Jung's concept of individuation, what is understood by "psychological health" and how this is linked with religious experience. The integration of instinctuality and spirituality is then centrally addressed in an elaboration of the concepts of sexuality, religion and mysticism and Jung's critique of Christianity. Further levels of the meaning of celibacy, as possible specific and unique constellations of an individual's psychic development are examined in both negative and positive forms. It is concluded that from a Jungian perspective celibacy in the main is not psychologically healthy, and specific points of departure between Jung and Catholicism are highlighted.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Psychology

Year dc:date.issued

1990

Author dc:creator

• Cowburn, Sheila

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Faber, Phillip

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/13853

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/13853