The way of individuation of St. Ignatius of Loyola - a view from the perspective of psychoanalysis

Semjonovs Pavels

The article presents the conclusions drawn up on the basis of a psychoanalytic study of the autobiography of St. Ignatius of Loyola – the mystic and an outstanding historical figure, founder of the Society of Jesus. The analysis was carried out in order to identify the features of the process of their individuation and psychoanalytic personality profile. The methodological basis of this study is based on the work of authors who considered the individuation of personality in the context of the realization of its potential. To solve the tasks set in the work, a clinical approach to the analysis of autobiographical materials is applied. The method of research is psychoanalytic interpretation, which in turn proceeds from the principles of phenomenology and hermeneutics. In the course of this study, it was found that the autobiography of St. Ignatius of Loyola presents episodes possibly indicative for psychopathological manifestations observed in the process of his individuation and personal growth. Narcissistic trauma becomes a crisis moment that changes the direction of his individuation, into a new field of mysticism and religious activity, which invariably retains a dominant significance throughout his life. In the course of the study, it was stated that despite the presence of signs possibly indicating the manifestations of pathologically narcissistic, psychotic and obsessive personality traits of St. Ignatius of Loyola, they did not become an obstacle in his personal development and further formation of a coherent Self during the process of individuation.

Keywords:individuation, St. Ignatius of Loyola, autobiography, psychoanalysis, Self