Date of Award
4-1979
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Psychology
Abstract
The thesis, "The Myth of Death and Rebirth: Its Manifestation in Contemporary Psychology," explores the pervasive concept of death and rebirth across historical, religious, and psychological contexts. Beginning with the idea's presence in ancient mythologies like the Osiris myth and Eastern religious beliefs, the thesis highlights how these cultural narratives framed death not as an end but as a necessary transition to renewal. It emphasizes the symbolic role of death/rebirth rituals in premodern societies, where they marked transformative life stages and spiritual initiation.
The work transitions into examining modern psychology, particularly the contributions of Carl Jung and others who identified the death/rebirth experience as a critical psychological turning point. It connects these archetypal patterns to contemporary therapeutic practices, such as psychedelic therapy and the transformative crises individuals experience within psychotherapy. Additionally, the thesis critiques the lack of a unifying mythology in Western society, attributing cultural and individual psychological struggles to this void.
Through the author’s personal experiences, the thesis underscores the profound impact of death/rebirth processes in fostering self-discovery, spiritual growth, and psychological renewal. By linking ancient myths and modern psychology, the study provides a framework for understanding how these universal themes continue to shape individual and collective human experiences.
Recommended Citation
Ring, Randy, "The Myth of Death and Rebirth: Its Manifestation in Contemporary Psychology" (1979). Theses. 1244.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/theses/1244
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.