Re‐enchantment in Adolescent Psyche: Spiritual Experiences in Video Games and Dreams 1

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract This study explores spiritual experiences in online video games and dreams from the perspective of analytical psychology, focusing on how such experiences activate the archetype of initiation in adolescents. Method: The present study adopted a Jungian psychological perspective to analyse symbols and psychological processes emerging in dreams that occurred after interaction with video games. Scores on Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ‐30) were used to assess whether the participant had undergone a spiritual experience while playing video games. Participants continued to record dreams for a 10‐week follow‐up period. The paper presents two case studies to illustrate that video games can evoke diverse spiritual experiences that are often connected to an individual's personal complexes. These spiritual experiences may activate the archetype of initiation and interact with dreams, thereby contributing to the process of individuation. In cases of addiction, an archetypal self‐care system may be at play—representing a destructive aspect of the Self—which is experienced as a damaging form of spirituality. The paper suggests that Jungian analysts and educators should recognize the transformative and spiritual dimensions embedded in video games to support healthy initiation in adolescent development.