Part 8/13:
At the heart of Jung's work is the principle of individuation—the lifelong process of evolving toward psychological wholeness. In this framework, self-sabotage can serve as a form of resistance to individuation. While we may consciously desire growth, parts of us might fear the changes such growth necessitates.
Jung suggested that the psyche acts as a self-regulating system seeking balance. Self-sabotage may arise as a protective mechanism against "ego inflation"—when we become overly identified with our successes or self-image, our Shadow may push back, urging us to humble ourselves and embrace our full complexity.