Metapsychology (from Greek: μετά (meta) meaning “beyond,” “after,” or “above,” and ψυχή (psyche) meaning “soul” or “mind.” The suffix -λογία (-logia) indicates a study or science.) is a conceptual science that investigates the dynamic aspects of the psyche, relying on stable models and structures, and creating a theoretical foundation for depth psychology.
The term “metapsychology” was introduced by Sigmund Freud in an attempt to establish a theoretical framework for analyzing mental processes. For example, Freud’s structural model of the ‘Ego,’ ‘Id,’ and ‘Superego’ is a model that describes the interplay of psychic forces.
In addition to the classic Freudian structures, a large number of contemporary concepts that explore mental and social processes use metastructures.
Structural elements are defined using abstract categories, which can be called a metalanguage – a system of abstract concepts and symbols for describing mental and social processes.
Throughout human history, metapsychological structures have been used to explore and understand reality. For instance, systems of unconscious cognition such as runes, Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life, or Tarot are unique symbolic models. Despite their mythological or religious foundations, these systems can be included in metapsychological discourse.
They offer multi-layered symbolic schemes that describe both internal mental processes and external social phenomena.
