The Virtual Unconscious
Kevin Lu, Briony Clarke, Niall Hill, Rupert Tower, Andrew Howe
International Journal of Jungian Studies August 26, 2026 DOI: 10.1163/19409060-01802003 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that the virtual unconscious is an emergent psychic layer, and that VR technical glitches expose psycho-social ruptures revealing how VR and XR reconfigure the manifestation of unconscious material. Proposes that VR experiences function as transitional objects creating a "third space" for serious play and externalisation of unconscious material, and may be adapted for therapeutic use because they catalyse somatic immersion while preserving a conscious anchor. |
Abstract
Abstract This paper conceptualises the virtual unconscious as an emergent psychic layer. Drawing on workshops exploring the intersection of analytical psychology and VR , we examine how a technical glitch acts as a site of psycho-social rupture, unveiling how VR and XR may reconfigure the way in which psychological material is manifested and communicated to consciousness. VR experiences function as transitional objects , creating—in the sense proposed by Hauke (2009) and Hockley (2014)—a ‘third space’ that enables serious play and the externalisation of unconscious material. VR experiences, furthermore, lend themselves to being adapted for therapeutic use, due to their capacity to catalyse somatic immersion while allowing users to maintain a clear anchor in consciousness even as they explore a simulated landscape. The paper suggests two areas in which the virtual unconscious may be productively applied, before noting future directions of research and practice.