Transactional analysis

Transactional analysis (TA) is a psychological theory and method of therapy developed by Eric Berne in the mid-20th century that focuses on analyzing and improving social interactions by understanding the three ego states: Parent, Adult, and Child1236.

TA examines how people communicate—“transactions”—with the aim of identifying which ego state is active during an interaction. Each state represents a system of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors:

• Parent: Behaviors, attitudes, and responses learned from parental figures.

• Adult: Rational, objective, and present-focused thinking and behavior.

• Child: Emotions, creativity, and responses formed in childhood365.

Key concepts include:

• Transactions: Basic units of social exchange, which can be complementary (healthy), crossed (conflict-laden), or ulterior (have hidden motivations)15.

• Games: Repetitive, dysfunctional behavioral patterns that lead to negative feelings or outcomes1.

• Life scripts: Unconscious life plans formed in childhood that guide adult behavior, often limiting growth or happiness until consciously changed13.

• Strokes: Units of interpersonal recognition or attention—vital for development and psychological health6.

• The aim is to foster an “I’m OK – You’re OK” position, recognizing everyone’s inherent value and capacity for change6.

TA has wide applications in psychotherapy for individuals, groups, couples, families, as well as in business and organizational settings, with the therapist and client typically making explicit contracts about goals and responsibilities17.

The method differs from classic psychoanalysis by focusing on observable interactions and present dynamics rather than just subconscious motives, and often uses contracts and collaborative goal-setting similar to cognitive-behavioral approaches2. TA remains influential, with practitioners adapting it to various contemporary psychotherapeutic and developmental frameworks23.

Caveat: While widely used, TA’s effectiveness and theoretical foundation have been debated; proponents emphasize its practical benefits for understanding and improving communication patterns, while critics may question the scientific rigor of some TA concepts.

1. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/health-and-medicine/transactional-analysis-ta
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transactional_analysis
3. https://www.simplypsychology.org/transactional-analysis-eric-berne.html
4. https://www.mtdtraining.com/blog/what-is-transactional-analysis-model-examples.htm
5. https://ericberne.com/transactional-analysis/
6. https://itaaworld.com/about-ta/
7. https://www.businessballs.com/emotional-intelligence/transactional-analysis-eric-berne/
8. https://2009-2017.state.gov/m/a/os/65951.htm
9. https://counsellingtutor.com/counselling-approaches/transactional-analysis/