Transactional Analysis, as a branch of psychotherapy, was developed by psychiatrist Eric Berne in the 1960s. Berne observed and analyzed human behavior, exploring the principles of psychoanalysis. Later, he introduced his own psychological theory, which became the foundation of Transactional Analysis.
The method of Transactional Analysis breaks down the human psyche into distinct and understandable structures—such as personality, roles, and life scripts. It operates by working with three ego states of the client: the Adult, the Child, and the Parent.
These ego states dictate how we communicate and express ourselves with others. With some people, we might speak in a teaching or strict manner, while with others, we allow ourselves to be playful and carefree. Most likely, the first style of communication comes from the Parent ego state, while the second emerges from the Child ego state.
These different aspects of ourselves can manifest depending on the context, time, person, or situation, but they hold the key to understanding our behavior and reactions. By recognizing these different states within themselves, individuals can gain greater self-awareness, break free from ingrained behaviors, and rewrite their life scripts in a way that feels authentic to them.
Transactional Analysis: Understanding Communication
A transaction is our communication with others in any given moment. When we interact with someone, their ego states interact with ours, and vice versa. Different ego states between interlocutors can lead to issues in their transactions and overall communication.
A demanding Parent will find it much harder to reach an understanding and agreement with a whimsical Child than with another Parent. Therefore, for successful relationships, it’s important that your ego states align or have space for expression. An Adult can easily find a compromise with another level-headed Adult, while a Parent can naturally care for a Child. People start seeking transactions with others when they lack the desired communication in one of their roles.
- Complementary Transactions: Communication between similar ego states (e.g., Adult to Adult).
- Crossed Transactions: Communication between different ego states (e.g., Parent to Child).
- Ulterior Transactions: Where one thing is said, but another is meant (games).
Key Concepts of Transactional Analysis
Here are some concepts that illustrate the principles of Transactional Analysis psychology:
Strokes
These are physical, verbal, or non-verbal signs of approval or praise. A child receives unconditional strokes from their mother, and as they grow, they seek to earn them through their achievements and actions. However, the Child within us still craves approval from the Parent, even if those roles are now filled by our partners or employers.
Stimulus Hunger
As a result, a person “starves” until they receive their stroke. Physical strokes, signs of approval from others, recognition, and praise—people need these stimuli, according to Transactional Analysis.
At the same time, clients with a strict Inner Parent find it difficult to accept strokes from others because their responses are inhibited. However, the need still exists, so they strive to earn strokes from others through their professional achievements and completed work.
Games
People who mask their need for approval often play games. What are games? These are ulterior transactions that a person engages in with a hidden motive. They try to gain a hidden benefit, while pretending that their motivation is entirely different. At the end of the game, the winner is rewarded for their successful play.
Often, people play games unconsciously. This can cause issues and resentment in communication because the rules of the game are not discussed in advance and there is always a losing side. However, not all transactions are part of games; for instance, two people in the Adult state can communicate without playing games.
Transactional Analysis and Human Roles
According to transactional analysis, each person is composed of three components: the Child, Parent, and Adult ego states. Depending on the context, the client adopts one of these positions. Each position has its own characteristics, functions, and particularities. The client may not realize that their ego state is not always suited to the situation, which can lead to difficulties and conflicts.
The following table explains all three ego states in transactional analysis—what defines them, the behavior patterns they follow, and the factors that contribute to their development:
The Adult state should ideally be dominant, but it is often overshadowed by other roles due to stress, anxiety, or depressive states. The Child may frequently find itself in the position of a helpless victim, while the Parent enforces total control and blindly adheres to the dictates of other authority figures.
In situations where a strong and autonomous Adult is needed, a demanding and dependent Child might take over instead. With the help of a psychologist and various exercises, the client can learn to recognize these states and better manage their reactions and actions.
The psychotherapist assists in identifying these different ego states, teaches the client to adopt the Adult position, and guides them in consciously transitioning between roles. By learning to recognize these shifts within themselves, clients can also observe them in others, enhancing their communication and dialogue skills.
Life Scripts in Transactional Analysis
Another goal of transactional analysis is to help the client identify and change their life script. Often, this script is unconscious, as it is shaped by the rules and prohibitions imposed by parents or other significant figures. However, many of these directives were intended for parental control and may have become outdated. The client may continue to follow them passively, hindering the development of their own life script.
For example, if parents punished a child for disobedience and questioning authority, that child might struggle to express their opinions and challenge authority figures in adulthood. This is the behavior dictated by their life script.
Eric Berne describes several categories of life scripts in transactional analysis that a client might follow:
Winner
A Winner is goal-oriented: they set and achieve their goals. While the outcome is important, they continue to move forward regardless of the achievement. They handle setbacks and difficulties well and are confident in their next steps.
Non-Winner
The Non-Winner avoids risks: they are content with what they have and live their life accordingly. They don't achieve great victories, but they also don't suffer significant failures.
Loser
A Loser, or victim, reacts differently to failure compared to a Winner. In pursuing their goals, they suffer and complain. They avoid failure and lack confidence when things deviate from the planned course.
Transactional analysis is a method aimed at freeing a person from their undesirable life script. Only then can they gain independence and take responsibility for their decisions and the direction of their life.
Transactional Analysis Goals and Outcomes
The method of transactional analysis and working with its core concepts can help the client in the following ways:
By working with ego states, the client learns to identify and differentiate their various ego states, thereby enhancing self-awareness and self-regulation.
By addressing transactions, the client can overcome communication issues with others and learn to build healthy relationships.
By exploring their life scripts, the client can gain awareness and make adjustments, choosing an authentic and desired personal path.
Throughout therapy, the client will be able to find a balance between different ego states, adopt the Adult position, and establish a strong sense of self. Transactional analysis is effective for both current client concerns and more severe disorders. It can be applied in group therapy, couples therapy, or individual sessions.
Depending on the client's needs, transactional analysis therapy may last from several months to a few years, with weekly sessions, until lasting results are achieved.
