What is Transactional analysis?
Transactional analysis (TA) is a psychological theory and therapeutic approach developed by Eric Berne in the 1950s. It provides a framework for understanding human behavior, communication, and personal development. TA focuses on analyzing the transactions (interactions) between individuals, and how these interactions are influenced by each person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
At its core, TA suggests that individuals have three ego states: Parent, Adult, and Child. Each ego state represents a specific set of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that people adopt during their interactions. These ego states can influence the dynamics of communication and relationships.
Parent ego state: This ego state represents the internalized values, attitudes, and behaviors we have acquired from our caregivers and authority figures. It can manifest as nurturing and caring (Nurturing Parent) or controlling and critical (Critical Parent).
Adult ego state: The Adult ego state reflects a person’s rational, objective, and logical thinking. It involves processing information based on the present moment, without being influenced by past experiences or emotions.
Child ego state: The Child ego state represents our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are reminiscent of our childhood experiences. It can be divided into the Natural Child (spontaneous, playful) and the Adapted Child (compliant, conforming).
Transactional analysis examines how individuals switch between these ego states during interpersonal interactions, known as transactions. It also explores the concept of life scripts, which are unconscious patterns of thoughts and behaviors that we develop in childhood and carry into adulthood.
TA therapy utilizes these concepts to help individuals gain insight into their patterns of communication, behavior, and relationships. The aim is to promote self-awareness, personal growth, and effective communication by identifying and changing unhelpful patterns and scripts.
Transactional analysis has found applications not only in therapy but also in fields such as education, organizational development, and interpersonal communication. It provides a framework for understanding and improving relationships, enhancing communication skills, and fostering personal development.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 