Meanings recovery enables us to survive loss experiences: a model proposal of psychic systems development process

Abstract

This study intends to clarify the process of recovering loss experience's meaning. According to Freud, the essence of loss exists in loss of meaning. Only after recovering meaning can we live with loss and can the loss be the basis of the rest of our life.

Our main theoretical framework is psychic systems theory that understands our psychic mechanism as an autonomous system from a constructivist viewpoint. Psychic systems studies include various studies on psychic mechanisms, that are mainly based on the autopoietic systems theory. The studies have theoretically enriched socio-informatics. Psychic systems theory focuses on which meaning/value a psychic system chooses to realize. This approach is useful in considering the cause and healing of loss-based melancholy.

This study newly proposes the “4 modes model” that clarifies the process of recovering or reconstruct the lost meanings. In the model, there are 4 types/steps of codes by which a psychic system constructs meaning. The 4 modes model is also understood as a psychic development model from the viewpoint of psychic systems evolution, extending earlier psychic systems studies.

As a result, this study clarifies that loss experiences meanings can be recovered when a psychic system fully realizes its autonomy/closure as the meaning construction agent. The psychic system cherishes an universal attitude of overcoming individual ideals. Eventually psychic systems can evolve into an “inner-observer” who understands others' sufferings from their inner viewpoint. This love that emerges from despair of loss means a turning over of loss experience value.