Re‐enchantment in Adolescent Psyche: Spiritual Experiences in Video Games and Dreams 1
Journal of Analytical Psychology April 1, 2026 Kan Chen, Xiao You
Video games can evoke spiritual experiences in adolescents that activate the archetype of initiation and interact with dreams, contributing to the individuation process. Using a Jungian psychological perspective, the study analyzed symbols and psychological processes in dreams following video game play; scores on the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ-30) assessed whether a spiritual experience occurred during gaming. Two case studies illustrate that these experiences often connect to personal complexes. In cases of addiction, an archetypal self-care system may manifest as a destructive aspect of the Self, experienced as damaging spirituality. The paper suggests that Jungian analysts and educators should recognize the transformative and spiritual dimensions of video games to support healthy adolescent development.