Transactional Analysis -- Egogram

Every person communicates from three ego states: Parent, Adult, and Child. The egogram shows which parts dominate in you.

Eric Berne Games People Play (1964)

What is Transactional Analysis?

Eric Berne developed Transactional Analysis (TA) in the 1950s as a model for understanding interpersonal communication. Core idea: at any given moment we communicate from one of three ego states — and conflicts arise when the states do not match.

Parent ego state (P)

Critical Parent (CP): Rules, norms, judgments. "That\'s how it\'s done!" "You must..."

Nurturing Parent (NP): Protection, comfort, help. "I\'ll take care of it." "Let me help."

Adult ego state (A)

Factual, rational, in the here and now. Gathers information, weighs options, makes conscious decisions. "What are the facts?" "What options do we have?"

Child ego state (C)

Free Child (FC): Spontaneous, creative, curious, emotional. Laughs, cries, plays.

Adapted Child (AC): Compliant, anxious, conflict-avoidant. "Sorry." "Whatever you say."

No state is good or bad per se. Healthy communication requires access to all three. Problems arise when one state dominates excessively or another is blocked.

Egogram quick test

Rate each statement: how much does it apply to you? (1 = not at all, 5 = completely)

1. I like telling others what is right and what is wrong.

Not at all Completely 3

2. I take care of others to make sure they are okay, even when they do not ask for it.

Not at all Completely 3

3. I make decisions based on facts and logic.

Not at all Completely 3

4. I am spontaneous, creative, and express my feelings openly.

Not at all Completely 3

5. I adapt to avoid conflict, even when I think differently.

Not at all Completely 3

6. I expect others to follow the rules.

Not at all Completely 3

7. I comfort and encourage others often.

Not at all Completely 3

8. I ask for data and information before I judge.

Not at all Completely 3

9. I like to laugh, fool around, and enjoy the moment.

Not at all Completely 3

10. I feel uncomfortable when someone is unhappy with me.

Not at all Completely 3

11. I say things like "One should..." or "That's just not done."

Not at all Completely 3

12. I put my own needs on hold to help others.

Not at all Completely 3

13. I stay factual in discussions and want to assess the situation objectively.

Not at all Completely 3

14. I enjoy trying new things and I am curious.

Not at all Completely 3

15. I often say "Sorry" or "My apologies" even when I did nothing wrong.

Not at all Completely 3

Inspiriert von Eric Berne — Transactional Analysis

Applied to

Galactic Empire

Weiterlesen

Trivia

"Games People Play" (1964) spent 111 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.
Berne trained as a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst — TA emerged as a "democratization" of psychoanalysis.
Famous "games" from the book: "Why don't you... -- Yes, but...", "Now I've got you, you son of a bitch!" and "Wooden Leg".
Alongside behavioral therapy and psychoanalysis, TA is one of the three recognized therapy schools in Europe.
Berne died in 1970 at just 60 years old — one year after his model became world-famous.