Transactional Analysis
Transactional Analysis is a method of understanding people's behaviour by analysing
the 'transactions' or interactions which transpire between people. It was developed
by Eric Berne in the 1950's using a framework based on Freud, though it deviated
from his ideas in several areas.
Transactional Analysis was a psychological research method that focused on social
interactions and analysis of relationships of individuals.
Ego States
Berne developed three ego states to explain how the human being is made up and
how he relates to other people. These three ego states are Parent Ego State, Adult
Ego State, and Child Ego State. The ideal ego state for Berne is the Adult Ego state,
those who live in the adult ego state are able to direct responses to the here and
now. Those in the adult ego state are able to interact with the world in ways that are
not influenced by our Parent Ego states or our Child Ego States.
Parent Ego State
A set of feelings, thinking, and behavior that we
have copied from parents or guardians.
Typical verbal comments: how to, under no
circumstances, always, never forget, don't lie,
cheat, critical words, judgmental words
Adult Ego State
The ego state that is responsible for the here and
now, it acts as a mediator between the Parent
Ego State and the Child Ego State and when it can
keep the two in balance allows people to act with
confidence and behave in positive manners.
Tyipical verbal comments: what, comparative
expressions, reasoned statements, true, false, I
think, I realise, I see, I believe, in my opinion
Child Ego State
These are behaviors, thoughts and feelings both
positive and negative which are replayed from
childhood. These feeling can cause us to feel
good or bad about ourselves in an irrational
manner if not controled by the Adult Ego State.
Typical verbal comments: I wish, I dunno, I'm
gonna, I don't care, oh no, not again, things never
go right for me, worst day of my life, biggest, best, words to impress
In other words:
% Parent is our 'Taught' concept of life
% Adult is our 'Thought' concept of life
Child is our 'Felt' concept of life
When we communicate we are doing so from one of our own alter ego states, our
Parent, Adult or Child. Our feelings at the time determine which one we use, and at
any time something can trigger a shift from one state to another. When we respond,
we are also doing this from one of the three states, and it is in the analysis of these
stimuli and responses that the essence of Transactional Analysis lies.
At the core of Berne's theory is the rule that effective transactions (ie successful
communications) must be complementary. They must go back from the receiving
ego state to the sending ego state. For example, if the stimulus is Parent to Child, the
response must be Child to Parent, or the transaction is 'crossed', and there will be a
problem between sender and receiver.
If a crossed transaction occurs, there is an ineffective communication. Worse still
either or both parties will be upset. In order for the relationship to continue
smoothly the agent or the respondent must rescue the situation with a
complementary transaction.
There is no general rule as to the effectiveness of any ego state in any given situation
(some people get results by being dictatorial (Parent to Child), or by having temper
tantrums, (Child to Parent), but for a balanced approach to life, Adult to Adult is
generally recommended.
