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1. Introduction

PARENT PARENT

Eric Berne

Transactional Analysis (TA) is a psychological

theory and therapeutic approach developed by
Eric Berne in the 1950s. It explores the dynamics
of human personality, communication, and
relationships. TA operates under the premise that
our personality consists of three ego states:
Parent, Adult, and Child. These states shape our
behavior, thoughts, and emotions.

TA focuses on analyzing transactions or social

interactions between individuals and how they
operate from these ego states. The
l"'()mmunication and interactions between differ
:= states of individuals shape the quality <
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ego states of individuals shape the quality and

nature of relationships. The goal of TA therapy is
to identify patterns in communication, recognize
negative or unproductive behaviors, and facilitate
positive changes to enhance relationships and
personal growth.

By understanding one's ego states and

recognizing patterns in interpersonal interactions,
individuals can gain insight into their behaviors
and communication style. This self-awareness
helps in improving relationships, resolving
conflicts, and fostering healthier communication.
TA is widely used not only in therapeutic settings
but also 1n organizational development,
education, and communication training due to its
applicability in understanding human interactions
and behavior.

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1. Introduction
1.1. Background

Transaction Analysis was founded by

psychoanalyst Dr. Eric Berne. He was influenced
by the work of Sigmund Freud. Freud's greatest
contribution (and the one that influenced Berne)
was the fact that the human personality is multi-
faceted. Regardless of the classification or name
given to a particular area of personality (id,
superego, etc.), each individual possesses
factions that frequently collide with each other.
And it is these collisions and interactions
between these personality factions that manifest
themselves as an individual's thoughts, feelings,
and behaviours.

Another scientist whose contributions impacted

Dr. Berne in his development of Transactional
Analysis is Dr. Wilder Penfield, a neurosurgeon.
Penfield's experiments focused on the application
..., electrical currents to specific regions of tr"
== l. Penfield discovered that, when appl) <
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brain. Penfield discovered that, when applying

current to the temporal lobe of live and alert
patients, he would stimulate meaningful
memories. In addition, not only were vivid
pictures of that person's past revealed, but also
the feelings and emotions associated with that
event were uncovered. These patients would
recite these events, even though in many cases
they were events that the patients were unable to
recollect on their own.

These contributions by Penfield and Freud, as

well as many others, were used by Berne as he
developed his theories on Transactional Analysis
and Games.

Dr. Berne defined the basic unit of his analysis as

Transactions. At its simplest level, Transactional
Analysis is the method for studying interactions
between individuals.

A ~r;ording to Berne, "The unit of soci,...•

== course 1s called a transaction. If two <
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According to Berne, "The unit of social

intercourse is called a transaction. If two or
more people encounter each other, sooner or
later one of them will speak, or give some other
indication of acknowledging the presence of the
others. This is called transactional stimulus.
Another person will then say or do something
which is in some way related to the stimulus, and
that is called the transactional response."

Important books on Transactional Analysis are:

• Games People Play -Dr. Eric Berne

• I'm OK- You're OK -Thomas A Harris
• What do you say, after you say Hello - Dr.
Eric Berne
• Transactional Analysis 1n Psychotherapy -
Dr. Eric Berne

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2. Berne's Ego States

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Berne's Ego States is a concept in Transactional

Analysis that explains the different patterns of
behavior and feelings that are behind each
transaction between individuals. According to
Berne, an ego state is "a consistent pattern of
feeling and experience related to a consistent
pattern of behavior."

Berne ultimately defined the 3 ego states as:

Parent, Adult, and Child.

... Parent (Exteropsyche)

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1. Parent (Exteropsyche)

The parent represents a massive collection of

recordings in the brain of external events
experienced or perceived in approximately the
first five years of life. Since the majority of the
external events experienced by a child are
actions of the parent, the ego state was
appropriately called Parent. While recording
these events, the young child has no way to filter
the data; the events are recorded without
question and without analysis. One can consider
that these events are imposed on the child.

Examples of recordings in the Parent include:

"Never talk to strangers", "Always chew with your
mouth closed", "Look both ways before you cross
the street".

Later, with contribution from other researchers,

the Parent is further divided into two parts:

== Controlling Parent: This is the parent v <

., us what to do. At its best. it orovides us V\

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1 .1 controlling Parent: I his is the parent who

tells us what to do. At its best, it provides us with
vital advice and guidance on how to live our lives.
At worst it manifests in stifling, critical behaviour.

1.2 Nurturing Parent: This is the parent who

cares for us. When done properly we feel
cherished and supported, but too much and we
are smothered and not allowed to discover
ourselves.

2. Child (Archaeopsyche)

In contrast to the Parent, the Child represents the

recordings in the brain of internal events
associated with external events the child
perceives. Stated another way, stored in the Child
are the emotions or feelings which accompanied
external events. This is the seeing, hearing,
feeling, and emotional body of data within each of
us. When anger or despair dominates reason, the
Child is in control.

== .nples of recordings in the Child incll <

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2. Child (Archaeopsyche)

In contrast to the Parent, the Child represents the

recordings in the brain of internal events
associated with external events the child
perceives. Stated another way, stored in the Child
are the emotions or feelings which accompanied
external events. This is the seeing, hearing,
feeling, and emotional body of data within each of
us. When anger or despair dominates reason, the
Child is in control.

Examples of recordings In the Child include

"When I saw the monster's face, I felt really
scared", "The clown at the birthday party was
really funny!"

Later, with contribution from other researchers,

the Child is again divided into two parts:

2.1 Adapted Child: This is the child that

responds to the rules set out by our parents.
== 9nding on the choice the child makes, it <
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2.1 Adapted Child: This is the child that

responds to the rules set out by our parents.
Depending on the choice the child makes, it will
either play by the rules or rebel. When a mother
tells her son to sit up straight at the table, the
child may do so because he knows his mother
will be pleased with him.

2.2 Natural Child: This refers to the way we

behave when we are free and unrestricted by any
rules. It allows us to be creative, joyous and
carefree. However, if behaviour oversteps social
boundaries it could cause embarrassment or
offence.

3. Adult (Neopsyche)

The Adult ego state is about direct responses to

the here and now. We deal with things that are
going on today in ways that are not unhealthily
influenced by our past. Taking the best from the
oast and using it appropriately in the present is
== 1tegration of the positive aspects of both <
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influenced by our past. Taking the best from the

past and using it appropriately in the present is
an integration of the positive aspects of both our
Parent and Child ego states. So this can be
called the Integrating Adult. Integrating means
that we are constantly updating ourselves
through our everyday experiences and using this
to inform us.

Dr. Thomas Harris, a student of Dr. Berne,

summarized Transactional Analysis in a way that
can be understood by a wider audience. According
to Harris:

• Parent - taught concept

• Child - felt concept
• Adult - learned concept

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3. Analyzing Transactions

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Whenever a person engages in a transaction,

communication between different ego states is
involved. According to Berne, there are 3 main
types of transactions:

1. Complementary transactions
Complementary transactions happen when two
people's ego states are compatible, meaning that
what is said and the response received are in
alignment. These types of transactions are
considered healthy and normal human
interactions, according to Dr. Berne.
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2. Crossed transactions : Crossed transactions

occur when a person says something from one
ego state and receives a response from a
different ego state than what was expected.

3. Ulterior transactions : Ulterior transactions

happen when words or behaviors appear to come
from one ego state, but in reality, they are coming
from another. For example, a participant in a
training program may ask a consultant for advice
in an adult ego state, but the participant's quick
responses to the advice given (child-like
behavior) indicate that what they actually wanted
was sympathy and understanding, not advice.
The consultant then changes from an adult to a
sympathetic parent ego state to have a
complementary transaction.

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4. Strokes

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Berne defined a stroke as the fundamental unit

of social action. A stroke is a unit of recognition,
when one person recognizes another person
either verbally or non-verbally. Berne introduced
the idea of strokes into Transactional Analysis
based upon the work of Rene Spitz, a researcher
who did pioneering work in the area of child
development. Spitz observed that infants
deprived of handling - in other words, not
receiving any strokes - were more prone to
"'"'YlOtional and physical difficulties. These infant"'
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emotional and physical difficulties. These infants

lacked the cuddling, touching, and handling that
most other infants received.

Berne took Spitz's observations of these infants

and developed theories about the needs of adults
for strokes. Berne postulated that adults need
physical contact just like infants, but have learned
to substitute other types of recognition instead of
physical stimulation. So while an infant needs
cuddling, an adult craves a smile, a wink, a hand
gesture, or other form of recognition. Berne
defined the term recognition-hunger as this
requirement of adults to receive strokes.

Berne also reasoned that any stroke, be it

positive or negative, is better than no strokes
at all. For example, if you are walking in front of
your house and you see your neighbour, you will
likely smile and say "Hi." Your neighbour will likely
say "hello" back. This is an example of a positive
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requirement ot adults to receive stroKes.

Berne also reasoned that any stroke, be it

positive or negative, is better than no strokes
at all. For example, if you are walking in front of
your house and you see your neighbour, you will
likely smile and say "Hi." Your neighbour will likely
say "hello" back. This is an example of a positive
stroke. Your neighbour could also frown at you
and say nothing. This is an example of a negative
stroke. But either case is better than no stroke at
all, if your neighbour ignored you completely.

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5. Game

In Transactional Analysis, Berne viewed a game

as a repetitive pattern of interactions that result in
a known outcome. These interactions, known as
ulterior transactions, involve more than two ego
states and contain a hidden message. In other
words, a person is playing a game when they
attempt to achieve a goal other than what they
publicly express. Understanding and analyzing
these games involves recognizing what they are,
what the end result will be, and how they
negatively impact personal relationships.

The motivation for participating in a game comes

from the Payoff, a concealed benefit. Games
have payoffs at three levels:

1. The biological pay-off of a game is

recognition or strokes. Despite games often
having negative outcomes, players still
receive a substantial number of bo+1-
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1. The biological pay-off of a game is

recognition or strokes. Despite games often
having negative outcomes, players still
receive a substantial number of both
positive and negative strokes from playing
them.
2. The social pay-off of a game is the
structure it provides to time. Games offer an
exciting activity to fill time that would
otherwise be dull and unsatisfying.
3. The existential pay-off of a game is how it
confirms each player's sense of self and
purpose.

For example, consider the game of "martyrdom".

A person might publicly express that they are
sacrificing their own needs for the benefit of
others. In reality, they are seeking attention and
sympathy, trying to hide the fact that they are
actually trying to manipulate the situation to their
advantage. The payoff of this game could be
• •"'logical, such as receiving recognition in tr
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actually trying to manipulate the situation to their

advantage. The payoff of this game could be
biological, such as receiving recognition in the
form of praise and sympathy. The social pay-off
could be time structuring, as the person now has
a seemingly valid reason to fill their time with self-
pity and complaints. The existential pay-off could
be the confirmation of the person's sense of
being mistreated and undervalued.

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6. Life Scripts

According to Dr. Berne, our life script is an

unconscious pattern of behavior that we develop
in childhood, based on our early experiences and
reinforced by our interactions with our parents.
This script shapes our beliefs and expectations
about how our lives will unfold, and we seek out
evidence throughout our lives to support these
beliefs.

A life script can be either positive or negative,

and can dictate our choices and behavior for the
rest of our lives. For example, someone with a
negative life script may believe that they will
always experience failure and unhappiness, and
this belief can influence their actions and choices
in a self-fulfilling manner. On the other hand,
someone with a positive life script may believe
that they will achieve success and happiness,
and this belief can give them the confidence and
motivation to pursue their goals.
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7. Life Positions

In Transactional Analysis, life positions refer to

the underlying beliefs and attitudes that
individuals hold about themselves and their
relationships with others. These positions are
formed during childhood and are shaped by early
experiences and interactions with significant
others. They were given by Thomas A. Harris.

The four basic life positions in Transactional

Analysis are:

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1. I am OK, You are OK (C) - This is considered

an ideal life position as it is rationally chosen and
reflects an individual who behaves in a rational
and accepting manner towards others. People in
this position feel confident and positive about
themselves and others. They express trust in
their subordinates, delegate authority effectively,
and have a positive attitude towards work.
Managers with this life position have good
communication skills and maintain a healthy and
harmonious work environment.

2. I am OK, You are not OK (B) - This position is

taken by individuals who are distrustful and tend
to blame others for their failures. They often
come from backgrounds where they were
neglected or mistreated by their parents.
Managers in this position tend to be critical and
oppressive, perceiving delegation as a threat to
their authority. They operate from a critical parent
P.QO state and lack trust in their subordinates.
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3. I am not OK, You are OK (D) - This life

position is common among individuals who feel
powerless and compare themselves unfavorably
to others. Managers in this position tend to be
diffident and display unpredictable and erratic
behaviors. They are more likely to grumble and
withdraw, and in severe cases, may experience
depression.

4. I am not OK, You are not OK (A) - This is

considered the worst life position, in which
individuals feel defeated and see the world as a
hopeless and miserable place. People in this
position are often brought up by servants or
neglected by their parents, and can display a lack
of personal potency. Managers with this position
tend to make mistakes, delegate inappropriately,
and may provoke others in negative ways.

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PARENT
.. Regulating
Nurturing .. Traditional
Overindulgent
.. ..
Prescriptive
Patronizing
Normative
Supportive
.. Indifferent
Ingratiating

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PARENT .. Regulating
Nurturing
.. Traditional
Overindulgent
.. Prescriptive
Patronizing
.. Normative
Supportive
.. Indifferent
Ingratiating

ADULT Cynical Task-Obsession Problem-Solving Overwhelming

~llD .. Adaptive .. Sulking .. Complaining .. Resilient .. Dependent

. Reactive
Creative . Withdrawn
Humorous . Aggressive
Bohemian . Confronting
Innovative . lntropunitive
Satirical

Transactional Analysis can be used 1n

organizational training programs to help
employees become aware of their ego states,
scripts, and how they influence interpersonal
skills. Through continuous training and efforts,
individuals can change their behavior patterns
and develop a positive attitude towards
themselves and others (I am OK, You are OK).
The benefits of Transactional Analysis include the
development of positive attitudes, transformation
of individual status, improvement of interpersonal
relationships and problem-solving skills, and
motivation of individuals. It is also a valuable tool
for organizational development.

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