ABSTRACT
This chapter will discuss psychological development from the viewpoint of regression. It will illustrate different perspectives on regression, in terms of fantasies, psychic energy, and symbols, in which Jung’s notion of development is addressed. By means of these perspectives, it will challenge the dominant images of what is usually regarded as contrary to development, that is to say: (1) going back to an ‘undeveloped’ stage; and (2) hindering or stopping the process of development. One of the crucial questions is whether the ‘earlier’ stages should be regarded as ‘undeveloped’, in other words, whether development is to be understood in terms of chronological sequence. Another important question is what adaptation means for Jung; rather, what role adaptation plays in his model of psychological development.
