Psychoanalysis.  2025 Jan;36(1):1-8. 10.18529/psychoanal.2025.36.1.1.

Contemporary Psychoanalytic Insights in Quantum Psychology: Quantum-Psychoanalytic Reinterpretation of Kafka’s ‘The Metamorphosis’

• Yang JS
• Lee CH

• KMID: 2564782
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18529/psychoanal.2025.36.1.1

Abstract

This paper explored the intersection of contemporary psychoanalytic theory and quantum psychology, offering a novel reinterpretation of Franz Kafka’s ‘The Metamorphosis’ through the lens of quantum-psychoanalytic concepts. By integrating Wilfred Bion’s Grid and Alpha Function with principles of quantum mechanics, this study delved into complex psychological dynamics at play within the protagonist, Gregor Samsa. Transformation of Gregor into a giant insect was reinterpreted not merely as a manifestation of his repressed emotions, but as a failure of psychic transformation within Bion’s framework, where unprocessed beta elements resulted in a catastrophic physical metamorphosis. Additionally, the observer effect was applied to analyze multifaceted psychological interactions between Gregor and his family members, highlighting how observation and perception could influence psychological states. This interdisciplinary approach not only provides deeper insight into psychological underpinnings of Kafka’s narrative, but also demonstrates the potential for psychoanalytic theory and quantum psychology to mutually inform and enrich each other in the analysis of literary texts.

Keyword

Quantum psychology; Wilfred Bion; Grid; Alpha function; Beta elements; Quantum mechanics