Shadow Projection and Failure of Local Closure: A Structural Model of Abusive Relationship Dynamics

This paper delivers a structural reinterpretation of abusive dynamics under the Theory of Axiomatic Necessity (TNA), demonstrating how destructive relationships achieve remarkable stability through the externalization of psychological functions. By framing Carl Jung’s concept of shadow projection as a specific case of Failure of Local Closure, we analyze how individuals outsource disowned internal capacities to a partner to temporarily stabilize an incomplete system. While these relational frameworks provide an externalized boundary condition that maintains equilibrium, they render the system structurally dependent and inherently unstable. Consequently, genuine resolution and the cessation of the abusive cycle require the internalization and reintegration of these outsourced functions, thereby restoring local closure within the individual self.

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Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2026-06-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20722636
Primary Topic
Transactional Analysis in Psychotherapy
Type
article
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article

Shadow Projection and Failure of Local Closure: A Structural Model of Abusive Relationship Dynamics

Claudio Bresciano
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Transactional Analysis in Psychotherapy
article

Shadow Projection and Failure of Local Closure: A Structural Model of Abusive Relationship Dynamics

Claudio Bresciano
article en

Abstract

This paper delivers a structural reinterpretation of abusive dynamics under the Theory of Axiomatic Necessity (TNA), demonstrating how destructive relationships achieve remarkable stability through the externalization of psychological functions. By framing Carl Jung’s concept of shadow projection as a specific case of Failure of Local Closure, we analyze how individuals outsource disowned internal capacities to a partner to temporarily stabilize an incomplete system. While these relational frameworks provide an externalized boundary condition that maintains equilibrium, they render the system structurally dependent and inherently unstable. Consequently, genuine resolution and the cessation of the abusive cycle require the internalization and reintegration of these outsourced functions, thereby restoring local closure within the individual self.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Reduced inequalities
Openalex Percentile: Top 5%
Transactional Analysis in Psychotherapy
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