Page:Jung - The psychology of dementia praecox.djvu/90

66 an already existing kindred complex it is only of momentary significance, and gradually sinks with lulled emotional tone into the latent mass of memory where it remains until a kindred impression reproduces it. But if an emotional event meets an already existing complex, it reinforces it and for some time assists it in gaining the upper hand. The clearest examples of this kind are to be seen in hysteria, where apparently insignificant things may lead to strong emotional outbursts. In such cases the impression touched either directly or symbolically the rather loosely repressed complex and in this manner called forth a complex-storm, which, in view of the unimportance of the event, appears entirely disproportionate. The strongest complexes unite themselves with the strongest emotions and impulses. We must therefore not be surprised at the fact that most complexes are of an erotic-sexual nature (as are also most dreams and hysterias). Especially in women where the sexual is the center of psychic life there hardly exists a single complex not in relation to sexuality. The significance of sexual trauma for hysteria universally assumed by Freud probably rests on this circumstance. At any rate, sexuality should always be kept in mind during psychanalysis which does not, however, mean that all hysterias are exclusively traced to sexuality. Any strong complex may call forth hysterical symptoms in those predisposed, at least so it seems. I do not mention here all the other kind of complexes, as I have already attempted to sketch the most frequent kinds.

It is for the interest of the normal individual to free himself from any obsessing complex which impedes the further proper development (adaptation to environment) of his personality. Time generally takes care of that. Frequently, however, artificial aid must be invoked so as to help the individual rid himself of an obsessing complex. Transference we have learned to know as a very frequent help. One is wont to grasp at something new, especially something which strongly contrasts with the complex (masturbatic mysticism). An hysteric can be cured if one is able to produce a new complex which will obsess her.