NCJ Number
138707
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 65 Issue: 3 Dated: (July-September 1992) Pages: 256- 266
Date Published
1992
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article expounds the theories of transactional analysis (TA) and how they may be used to improve problematic interpersonal relations.
Abstract
In TA the human personality is divided into three basic ego states, illustrated by a series of stacked circles of equal dimension designated as "Parent," "Adult," and "Child." An ego state is a consistent pattern of feeling and experience directly related to a corresponding, consistent pattern of behavior. The parent ego state involves behaviors, thoughts, and feelings copied from parents or parent figures. The adult ego state involves behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that are direct responses to the here-and-now. The child ego state consists of behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that are replayed from childhood. Each of the three ego states can be subdivided into related states. These subdivided ego states can be activated in either positive or negative ways. These ego states can operate alternately under various circumstances and relationships that are appropriate for effective, satisfying, and positive behaviors and attitudes. Problems occur in personal feelings and interpersonal relations when certain ego states are constant or excluded. In such circumstances, a person operates constantly under only one or two of the ego states, thus limiting the repertoire of feelings, attitudes, and behaviors necessary for appropriate, creative, and satisfying behaviors and attitudes. This article illustrates how relationships and communications can be fruitful or negative under various ego-state interactions. 8 figures and 3 references