Complex

Definition.

A complex is a part of the human psyche which holds collections of related memories, affects and beliefs. Complexes, sometimes called subpersonalities or parts, are the denizens of our inner world, the actors in our dreams,^{footnote 1} and their presence has been noted by psychologists, philosophers and artists across multiple cultures and eras.

The psyche is not an indivisible unity but a divisible and more or less divided whole. Although the separate parts are connected with one another, they are relatively independent, so much so that certain parts of the psyche never become associated with the ego at all, or only very rarely. I have called these psychic fragments ‘autonomous complexes,’ and I based my theory of complexes on their existence.

— Carl Jung^{footnote 2}

Complexes as subpersonalities .

Our complexes — our subpersonalities — have their own perspectives, desires, and needs, and are best understood as semi-autonomous or autonomous. This means that, even though we usually feel as if our ‘I,’ our ego, is driving our mental ‘car,’ a triggered complex can bump us over and take control of the wheel for a while. When this happens, we see the world through their uniquely colored lenses. Their logic becomes our logic, and their priorities become our own. We may act in ways that seem ‘unlike’ us, and after they’re gone, we may be left wondering, ‘Why did I do/say that?’

Our complexes often hold the traits that we don’t like to see in ourselves: our addictions, our prejudices, or secret wishes, our resentments. They may also represent our fragility — a wounded child self or suppressed artist, as well as any the dreamy, gullible, and lovely but unworldly parts. In many respects, these subpersonalities are the most precious — and the most neglected — aspects of ourselves. When we take the time to welcome them home, our complexes can become our greatest treasures.

These inner entities … are altruistic and their behavior is motivated rather than random. Their intentions for the internal system are positive.

— Richard Schwartz^{footnote 3}

Though we most often experience subpersonalities most directly when they are ‘constellated’ or triggered out by some external world experience, we can choose to reach out to them at other times. Two great processes for communicating with our complexes are dreamwork and active imagination.

Here are a few additional, important points about subpersonalities and complexes:

Complex psychology .

Complex psychology explores the unconscious mind, the realm of psyche where our multiplicity of ‘selves’ resides. Complex psychology can be understood as a synonym for depth psychology.

The unconscious is a marvelous universe of unseen energies, forces, forms of intelligence — even distinct personalities — that live within us. It is a much larger realm than most of us realize, one that has a complete life of its own running parallel to the ordinary life we live day to day.

— Robert A. Johnson^{footnote 5}

Historically speaking, complex psychology was the title Carl Jung preferred to describe his psychological approach. Though anecdotal accounts often suggest that the term had to do with the centrality of the personal complex in Jung’s theories, Shamdasani writes that Jung’s intention for the phrase embraced the complexity of the psyche^{footnote 6} rather than emphasizing the prominence of complexes within it.

Over time, analytical psychology has become the more common umbrella term for Jungian practice and theory, though depth psychology is sometimes used fairly interchangeably. Despite Jung’s preferences, complex psychology, as a term for his psychology, is little used.

A more contemporary application of the term complex psychology is offered from a practical standpoint: the term complex psychology reflects a psychological approach which posits that the complex is the fundamental unit of the psyche, and is key to understanding most of the processes of the human inner life. Acknowledging that there are a number of lenses one can use to view complexes, my work focuses on the personal complex as an autonomous subpersonality in the psyche.

Practical applications .

Under the heading of complex psychology, one might find these subject areas and inquiries:

• The imaginal tools used for exploring the inner world of complexes, including dreamwork and active imagination
• The terrain in which complexes exist; the imaginal territories in which we experience our inner, mental life
• The development of complexes: how they came to be, how they grow, whether they age, and if they can die
• The place of subpersonalities in a theory of normative multiplicity, in which the psyche is naturally and non-pathologically plural
• Theoretical questions pertaining to whether complexes have independent consciousness, the degree to which they are autonomous, the centrality of the archetype in the complex, and so on
• Interdisciplinary questions, such as how complex psychology fits in with the work of science, philosophy, economics, and more