A Contribution to the Psychology of Rumor (Unabridged)

In A Contribution to the Psychology of Rumor, published in 1909, Carl Jung gives an example of how psychoanalysis explains the construction of rumor. He examines the dynamics of the psychology of rumor with reference to an incident in a girls’ school. He argues, and provides evidence, that the rumor originated from a dream and explains the intensive unconscious participation of those involved. Pointing out the effect of repressed feelings, Jung shows that indignation led to the dream, and how the dream became an instrument of revenge.