TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS

TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSISThe unit of social intercourse is called a transaction. If two or more people encounter each other, sooner or later one of them will speak,or give some other indication of acknowledging the presence of the other.This is called the transactional stimulus. Another person will then say or do something which is in some way related to the stimulus, and that is called the transactional response-Eric Berne

The method of examining this one transaction wherein I do something and you do something backis called Transactional Analysis

What is Transactional Analysis?TA is a theory about how and why people behave the way they do

Major areas of TAEgo statesTransactionsStrokes and gamesLife positions

EGO STATESThey are multiple states of personality. Dr. Eric Berne defines ego states as A consistent pattern of feeling & experience directly related to a corresponding consistent pattern of behaviour Each person has three ego states-

PARENT EGO STATEContains the attitudes &behaviour incorporated from external sources, primarily parents.Outwardly expressed as critical & nurturing behaviour.When you are acting, thinking, feeling as you observed your parents,teachers,older people,uncles & aunts to be doing you are in your Parent Ego State.Parent is our TAUGHT concept of life.

The ParentThe Critical ParentGives us directions and controls and limits our behaviorshould, ought, must, neverNurturing ParentProtects and encourages, provides care and lovethere, there sweetie; Try again. Its all right

Recognizing the Parent StateA person in a NP stated is likelyUse words such as well-done, good, gentle, caring, don't worryUse a loving, caring, comforting or concerned tone of voiceUse open, encouraging gestures, smiling, leaning forward, nodding of headHave a caring, understanding attitude

Recognizing the Parent StateA person in CP state may:Use words , such as bad, should, ought, must, always, ridiculous, unacceptableUse a patronizing, critical or disapproving tone of voiceUse aggressive gesturesCome across as judgmental, authoritarianBe intimidating or controlling

CHILD EGO STATEContains all the impulses that come naturally to an infant.Our internal reaction and feelings to external events.Joy and laughter comes from child ego.When you feel and act as you did when you were a child,you are in your Child ego state.Child is our FELT concept of life.

The Child StateFree childImpulsive and carefree, communicating through feeling behaviorsAdapted childSubmissive and conforming behaviors,Looking for approval and reassurance

Recognizing the Child StateA person in a free child stateUse words as wow, great, ouch, wantTalk loudly, energetically, free of constraintUse spontaneous gestures and expressionsBe curious, fun-loving, changeable

Recognizing the Child StateA person in adapted child mayUse words such as cant, try, hope, please, perhaps, wishCome across as innocent, helpless, sad, scaredAct in a defiant, ashamed or compliant way

ADULT EGO STATEIt is related to current reality and object gathering of information.Organized,adaptable,intelligent,functions by reality,estimating probabilities.Problem solving comes from this ego state.When you are dealing with current reality,gathering facts and computing objectively,you are in your Adult Ego StateIt our THOUGHT concept of life.

Recognizing the Adult StateA person in as Adult Sated is likely toSpeak in an even voiceHave an erect posture and use open gesturesBe alert and thoughtful about a problem they are facingClarify the situation by careful questioningHypothesize and process informationUse words like correct, how, what, why, practical, quality

People generally exhibit all three Ego states. All three Ego states are necessary to healthy personality

People can change the frequency of which They use one ego state by concentrating Or developing another

Transactions between Ego StatesWhen we are communicating with another person (verbally or nonverbally) we are carrying out a transaction with them. We are both sending messages and receiving them

When two people communicate, each exchange is a transaction. Many of our problems come from transactions which are unsuccessful.

Types of TransactionComplementary transactionsCrossed transactionsUlterior transactions

TYPES OF TRANSACTIONS1.COMPLEMENTARY TRANSACTIONS A complementary transaction occurs when a message sent from a specific ego state,gets the predicted response from a specific ego in the person.

TYPES (cont.)2.CROSSED TRANSACTIONS A crossed transaction occurs when an unexpected response is made to the stimulus. An inappropriate ego state is activated, and the lines of transacting between the people are crossed.

TYPES (cont.)3.ULTERIOR TRANSACTIONS Ulterior transactions always involve more than two ego states. WHEN AN ULTERIOR MESSAGE IS SENT, IT IS DISGUISED UNDER a socially acceptable transaction.

Social Level (1)Employee: Heres that report we worked on this weekend.Boss: ThanksPsychological Level (2)Boss: You are not important.Negative stroking behavior.

Social Level (1)Employee: Heres that report we worked on this weekendBoss: Thanks, Joe, I know you worked overtime on this and we really appreciate your efforts. Its employees like you who help make this company great!

Psychological Level (2)Boss: Youre really important, and I recognize you.Positive stroking behavior.

Any act implying recognition of anothers presence.(I know you are there)-a touch, a word, a look,a gesture.Strokes appease the human hunger for touch & recognition. All strokes and the transactions lead a person to establish some thoughts about himself and others. These thoughts may be called Psychological positions.

STROKES

THE FOUR LIFE POSITIONS1. Im OK- Youre OKLIFE IS WORTH LIVINGPotentially mentally healthy position.Solve their problems constructively. Their expectations are valid.2. Im OK-Youre not OKYOUR LIFE IS NOT MUCHPersons feel victimized or persecuted (so victimizes and persecutes others)Distrustful Life Position, give critical and oppressive remarksBlame others for their miseries.

3. I'm not OK- Youre OK MY LIFE IS NOT WORTH MUCHFeel powerless when they compare themselves to others.They keep grumbling and are unpredictable and erratic. Leads them to withdraw or experience depression

4.Im not OK-Youre not OK LIFE ISNT WORTH LIVING AT ALLPerson loses interest in life. In extreme cases may commit suicide.

TA can help youRespond to a person and situation more appropriatelyBuild rapportUnderstand someone elses needsDeal more effectively with difficult peopleBe assertiveUnderstand how you behave and why