concept

Shadow Self

Jung's term for the parts of the personality a person refuses to acknowledge.

Origin

Carl Jung argued that everyone contains rejected material — anger, envy, unwanted desire — that gets pushed out of awareness but doesn't disappear. The 'shadow' shapes behavior from underground until you face it.

Modern usage

Mainstream in pop psychology and self-help. 'Shadow work' is now a TikTok-able practice.

Tags

psychology
jung