In the Web of Compulsions: When the Soul Becomes Entangled in Excesses

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21901/2448-3060/self-2026.vol-11.260

Keywords:

eating disorders, compulsions, jungian psychology

Abstract

This article aimed to deepen the understanding of compulsions in the context of eating disorders by articulating C. G. Jung’s analytical psychology with contemporary clinical frameworks. The methodology adopted was a qualitative theoretical essay, based on bibliographic research and the Jungian procedure of circumambulation, which seeks to circle around the phenomenon in order to construct symbolic interpretations. The theoretical findings indicate that compulsions, although marked by suffering and sterile repetition, can be understood as a coded language of the soul, calling the individual toward symbolization. The analysis addressed: (i) symbolic fragility and the cultural narcissism of postmodernity; (ii) the Jungian understanding of compulsions, based on the mother complex, the formulation Spiritus contra Spiritum, and the impact of archaic contents of the unconscious; (iii) clinical distinctions among binge eating, disordered eating, emotional eating, binge-eating disorder, and bulimia; (iv) the role of early trauma, dissociation, and the notion of “psychic skin”; and (v) the symbolic function of the symptom and its implications for clinical practice. It was concluded that compulsion, although destructive, can be re-signified as a call for symbolization and a pathway toward restoring ego cohesion, opening the way to the process of individuation.

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Author Biographies

Kelly Guimarães Tristão, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo – UFES. Vitória/ES, Brazil

PhD, Master’s degree, and Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo – UFES; specialization in Eating Disorders from Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro – PUC-RJ; specialization in Jungian Theory and Practice from Universidade Veiga de Almeida (UVA), Rio de Janeiro. Currently undertaking postdoctoral research in Eating Disorders at UFES; member of Laboratório de Estudos, Intervenções em Trabalho, Assistência e Saúde – LEITRAS/UFES. Director of Centro de Psicologia Analítica do Espírito Santo – CEPAES. Postgraduate Professor.

Viviane Lahorgue Porto da Costa, Centro de Psicologia Analítica do Espírito Santo – CEPAES. Vitória/ES, Brazil

Specialization in Analytical Psychology from Instituto Junguiano do Rio de Janeiro – IJRJ/UNESA; specialization in Neuropsychology from Universidade São Judas Tadeu – USJT; Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Instituto Brasileiro de Medicina e Reabilitação – IBMR; training in Jungian Couples and Family Clinical Practice from Sociedade Brasileira de Psicologia Analítica de São Paulo (SBPA/SP). Professor and member of the Scientific Board of Centro de Psicologia Analítica do Espírito Santo – CEPAES.

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Published

2026-08-28

How to Cite

Tristão, K. G., & Costa, V. L. P. da. (2026). In the Web of Compulsions: When the Soul Becomes Entangled in Excesses: . Self - Revista Do Instituto Junguiano De São Paulo, 11, e008. https://doi.org/10.21901/2448-3060/self-2026.vol-11.260

Issue

Vol. 11 (2026): Self - Revista do IJUSP

Section

Reflection article (essay)

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