fei75766_ch04_107-148.indd 130  02/19/20 09:00 AM
Part II    Psychodynamic Theories130
Childhood
Jungdivided childhood intothree substages: (1)theanarchic, (2)themonarchic, and
(3)thedualistic. Theanarchic phase ischaracterized bychaotic andsporadic con-
sciousness. “Islands ofconsciousness” mayexist, butthere islittleornoconnection 
among these islands. Experiences oftheanarchic phase sometimes enter conscious -
nessasprimitive images, incapable ofbeing accurately verbalized.
Themonarchic phase ofchildhood ischaracterized bythedevelopment of
theegoandbythebeginning oflogical andverbal thinking. During thistimechil-
drenseethemselves objectively andoften refer tothemselves inthethird person. 
Theislands ofconsciousness become larger, more numerous, andinhabited bya
primitive ego.Although theegoisperceived asanobject, itisnotyetaware ofitself 
asperceiver.
Theegoasperceiver arises during thedualistic phase ofchildhood when the
egoisdivided intotheobjective andthesubjective. Children nowrefer tothem -
selves inthefirstperson andareaware oftheir existence asseparate individuals. 
During thedualistic period, theislands ofconsciousness become continuous land, 
inhabited byanego-complex thatrecognizes itself asbothobject andsubject (Jung, 
1931/1960a).
Youth
Theperiod from puberty untilmiddle lifeiscalled youth. Young people strive togain
psychic andphysical independence from their parents, findamate, raise afamily, 
andmake aplace intheworld. According toJung (1931/1960a), youth is,orshould 
be,aperiod ofincreased activity, maturing sexuality, growing consciousness, and
recognition thattheproblem-free eraofchildhood isgone forever. Themajor dif-
ficulty facing youth istoovercome thenatural tendency (found alsoinmiddle and
lateryears) tocling tothenarrow consciousness ofchildhood, thusavoiding prob -
lems pertinent tothepresent timeoflife.Thisdesire toliveinthepastiscalled the
conservative principle.
Amiddle-aged orelderly person whoattempts toholdontoyouthful 
values faces acrippled second halfoflife,handicapped inthecapacity toachieve self-
realization andimpaired intheability toestablish newgoals andseeknewmeaning 
tolife(Jung, 1931/1960a).ChildhoodYouth Middle life
Old age
FIGURE 4.4  Jung Compares the Stages of Life to the Sun’s Journey through the Sky, with 
the Brilliance of the Sun Representing Consciousness.Final PDF to printer