![[Transactional Analysis.webp]] Transactional Analysis (TA) - Summary Notes Core Concept: TA is a practical psychological framework developed by Eric Berne in the 1950s. It analyzes how people communicate ("transact") to improve self-[[Awareness]], [[Relationships]], and [[communication]]. --- 1. The Ego States: The Three Parts of Our [[Personality]] We all operate from three distinct ego states, which are patterns of [[Thinking]], feeling, and behaving. · Parent (Taught) · What it is: The internal recording of rules, values, and attitudes absorbed from authority figures (parents, teachers). · Subcategories: · Critical/Controlling Parent: Enforces rules, sets [[Boundaries]], can be judgmental. · Nurturing Parent: Offers care, [[Comfort]], and encouragement. · Pros: Provides [[Structural Coupling|structure]], safety, and promotes responsibility. · Cons: Can be oppressive, foster dependency, or pass on outdated beliefs. · Adult (Thought) · What it is: The rational, objective, and problem-solving part. It deals with the "here and now," gathering facts and making balanced decisions. · Pros: Promotes rational decisions, fair communication, and constructive conflict resolution. · Cons: Can seem emotionally detached or cold if overused. · Child (Felt) · What it is: The part that holds our inner child's [[Emotions]], [[Creativity]], impulses, and early coping behaviors. · Subcategories: · Adapted Child: Complies or rebels to please others or avoid consequences. · Free/Spontaneous Child: The creative, playful, and emotionally authentic self. · Pros: Brings creativity, spontaneity, and warmth to relationships. · Cons: Can be impulsive, oversensitive, or unnecessarily rebellious. Goal: To recognize which state you and others are in, and to choose the most effective one (ideally, the Adult). --- 2. Transactions: The Units of Communication A "transaction" is a communication exchange: a stimulus from one person and a response from another. · Complementary Transactions · The response is directed to the sending ego state. The lines of communication are open and parallel. · Result: Conversation flows smoothly. · Example: · Stimulus (Adult to Adult): "What time is the meeting?" · Response (Adult to Adult): "It's at 2 PM." · Note: Can be healthy (Adult-Adult) or unhealthy (Critical Parent-Adapted Child). · Crossed Transactions · The response is directed to an unexpected ego state. The communication lines cross. · Result: Misunderstanding, conflict, or a breakdown in communication. · Example: · Stimulus (Adult to Adult): "Has the report been filed?" · Response (Child to Parent): "You're always nagging me! I'll get it done!" · Strategy: Respond from your Adult state to guide the interaction back to a productive level. · Ulterior Transactions · A double-level message where the social (overt) message hides a psychological (hidden) message. · Result: Manipulation, game-playing, or hidden agendas. · Example: A salesperson saying, "This car is a great fit for your budget," (Adult) while their tone implies, "...but it's what someone like you can afford" (Critical Parent). --- 3. Life Scripts: Our [[Unconscious]] Life Plan · What it is: An unconscious life story or "script" formed in childhood, based on messages from parents and early decisions. It dictates our patterns, choices, and self-[[perception]] in adulthood. · How it Forms: A combination of Parental Messages (overt rules), Injunctions ("Don't be you," "Don't succeed"), and Drivers ("Be perfect," "Please others"). · Common Script Examples: · Winner: "I can succeed." (Seeks opportunities, healthy relationships) · Non-Winner: "I'll just get by." (Avoids risks, settles for "good enough") · Loser: "Nothing ever works out for me." (Self-sabotages, repeats failures) · Until/After: "I can be happy after I've finished all my work." (Postpones joy) · Martyr: "I must sacrifice for others." (Over-gives, feels resentful) The Goal of TA Therapy: To become aware of and rewrite limiting or destructive life scripts. --- 4. Key TA Concepts · Strokes: Units of recognition (a look, word, gesture). We have a fundamental need for strokes, which can be positive ("Great job!") or negative ("You're wrong!"). · Origins: Developed by Eric Berne as a more practical and accessible alternative to Freudian psychoanalysis. He focused on observable transactions rather than just the unconscious. Applications of TA Used in therapy, counselling , education, and organisational development to resolve conflict, improve communication, and increase personal effectiveness. `Concepts:` `Knowledge Base:`