Chinese Subjectivity

Overview

A sustained line of research investigating Chinese subjectivity through psychoanalytic theory — from the formation of the unconscious in specific cultural-historical conditions to the contemporary psychoanalytic scene in China. This line encompasses ongoing publication work and the Chinese Psychoanalytic Scene (CPS) Substack (850+ subscribers, launched 2024, regular publishing from 2025).

Publications

Published

• published Erika First Prize 2024 Qiao, X. (2025). Deprivation and disruption: The development of narcissistic vulnerability and toxic masculinity in some Chinese contexts. Psychoanalysis, Self and Context, 20(2), 237–253. DOI → Clinical
• published Qiao, X. (2025). Gaming the unconscious: The relational and social unconscious in a contemporary Chinese case study. Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy in China, 8(1–2), 14–24. DOI → Clinical
• published Qiao, X. (2025). The role of social media in shaping mental health discourse: A case study of China's psychoanalysis and counselling narratives. Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy in China, 8(1–2), 115–125. DOI
• published Qiao, X. (2024). Mother archetypes in Chinese cultural narratives: A psychoanalytic perspective. Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy in China, 7(1–2), 139–153. DOI

Forthcoming

• forthcoming LGBTQ+ Outstanding Trainee Paper 2026 Qiao, X. Ghostly Persistence: Disavowal, Remainder, and the Indigestible Queer Subject in China. Journal of LGBTQ+ Mental Health. → Queer
• forthcoming Qiao, X. Oedipal Variations in Chinese Luoshan Motif. Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy in China.

Invited

• invited Qiao, X. Confusion of Tongues in the Chinese Context. Psychoanalytic Inquiry (journal commission).

In Progress

• in progress Shidafu and Narcissistic Structure (士大夫与自恋结构). Depth hermeneutics; Kohut's selfobject theory. Reading the shidafu position as a narcissistic regulation structure.
• in progress Coming Out as Translational Rupture: Refusal, Separation, and the Queer Subject in China → Queer

Professional Publications

• professional Qiao, X. (2026). Between Worlds: A Chinese Analyst's Journey. Room: A Sketchbook for Analytic Action.
• professional Qiao, X. (2025). Between Two Names. The American Psychoanalyst.

Awards

• award 2024 Erika Schmidt Essay Prize (First Prize), Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute — Toxic Masculinity
• award 2026 Outstanding Trainee Paper Award, Journal of LGBTQ+ Mental Health — Ghostly Persistence → Queer

Presentations

• 2026 Understanding Chinese Subjectivity: Growth Rings, Psychoanalytic Development, and Clinical Implications. British Psychoanalytic Foundation (BPF) (forthcoming)
• 2026 Cultural Sensitivity in Psychoanalytic Education. Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute
• 2024 Narcissistic Vulnerability and Toxic Masculinity. Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute

Related Lines