Mihaela Hritcu-Str Neculau nr 11A tr1,Et.

2,Ap12,Iasi,Romania

Questions 1
Briefly define transactional analysis (TA) as you see it expressed in one of Eric Berne`s
books,giving the reference.Give two examples to illustrate how TA can be used to make life
chances.
Transactional analysis (TA), is know in psychology as a theory, the theory which examines
the interactions, or `transactions` between a person and other person. That theory which
underlying the precept as humans are social creatures and a person is a multi-faceted being
which may changes when is in contact with other person in their life environment.
Canadian-born US psychiatrist ERIN BERNE Transactional analysis integrates the theories
of psychology and psychotherapy because it has elements of psychoanalytic, humanist and
cognitive ideas. TA was first developed in the late 1950s by Canadian-born US psychiatrist
Eric Berne.
The 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 others. This is called 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.( Berne, Eric. Games People Play. Grove Press, Inc., New
York, 1964. Page 29).
Positive strokes-a pupil has received from his teacher every time when he did a good
homework a very special reward and recognition, even when his work was not so good he
still got a good encourage. That behavior from the teacher towards his pupil meant a lot for
the pupil which makes him in the end to become himself a teacher.
I'm OK and you are OK. This is the healthiest position about life and it means that I feel good
about myself and that I feel good about others and their competence.

Mihaela Hritcu-Str Neculau nr 11A tr1,Et.2,Ap12,Iasi,Romania

Questions 2

a) The structural model of ego states:Give a definition of an ego state.Describe each ego state

and explain four ways to diagnose an ego state

In addition to the analysis of the interactions between individuals, Transactional Analysis also
involves the identification of the ego states behind each and every transaction. Berne defined
an ego state as a consistent pattern of feeling and experience directly related to a
corresponding consistent pattern of behavior.( Berne, Eric. Transactional Analysis in
Psychotherapy. Page 13) .Berne devised the concept of ego states to help explain how we are
made up, and how we relate to others. These are drawn as three stacked circles and they are
one of the building blocks of Transactional Analysis. They categories the ways we think, feel
and behave and are called Parent, Adult, and Child. Each ego state is given a capital letter to
denote the difference between actual parents, adults and children.

The parent state:The parent represents a massive collection of recordings into the brain of
external events experienced or perceived in approximately early stage of the life. Since the
majority of the external events experienced by a child are actions of the parent, the ego state

Mihaela Hritcu-Str Neculau nr 11A tr1,Et.2,Ap12,Iasi,Romania

was appropriately called Parent. Note that events perceived by the child from individuals that
are NOT parents (but who are often in parent-like roles) are also recorded in the Parent.
Examples of recordings in the Parent include:

Never talk to strangers

Always chew with your mouth closed

Look both ways before you cross the street

`Take your coat when are you getting outside`

The Adult state: The Adult ego state is about direct responses to situations here and now, is
about being spontaneous and aware with the capacity for intimacy. In the Adult state we are
able to see people as they are, rather than what we project onto them.

The Child state: the Child represents the recordings in the brain of internal events
associated with external events the child perceives. The Child ego state is a set of behaviors,
thoughts and feelings which are replayed from our own childhood.
Examples of recordings in the Child include:

When I saw the monsters face, I felt really scared

The clown at the birthday party was really funny!

social diagnosis
Observation of the kinds of transactions a person is having with others. For example, if
eliciting a response from someone's caretaking Parent it is likely that the stimulus is coming
from Child, though not necessarily the Adapted Child mode. Our own responses to someone
will often be a way of assessing which ego state or mode they are coming from.
historical diagnosis
The person's past also provides important information. If, as a child we had feelings similar to
those we are experiencing now, it is likely we are in Child ego state. If our mother or father
behaved or talked in the same way that we are behaving or talking now then we are probably
in a Parent ego state.
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Mihaela Hritcu-Str Neculau nr 11A tr1,Et.2,Ap12,Iasi,Romania

phenomenological diagnosis
This occurs when we re-experience the past instead of just remembering it. This means that
diagnosis is undertaken by self-examination. This is sometimes accurate and sometimes very
inaccurate as the Child ego state may be afraid to allow our Adult to know what is going on
Behaviourally:
Words, posture, tones, gestures and facial expressions will all give clues as to which ego state
the person is in

Questions 2
b)Functional analysis:Draw a diagram of the funtional model and give examples of behaviour
from each mode.
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Mihaela Hritcu-Str Neculau nr 11A tr1,Et.2,Ap12,Iasi,Romania

The Ego State Functional model divides the ego states to illustrate how we use, how we
functions and progress information within each ego state.The functional model is used when
there is intereaction between people,it can illustrate any miscommunication and shed light on
how to create productive,functional interactions
Controlling Parent

Nurturing Parent

Adapted Child

Free Child

Controlling parent-Can't you return this book in time just once/You should clean your room
once in a while
Nurturing Parent-I'm only trying to help you/Let me clean up this table for you
Adult-What are the alternatives/Can't we reach some sort of compromise
Adapted Child-Anything you say,Sir/Sorry,I'll try to improve
Free Child-Let me see how this remove control is working/Wonder what happens if we do it
this way

Mihaela Hritcu-Str Neculau nr 11A tr1,Et.2,Ap12,Iasi,Romania

Questions 3
Define a transactional list the three types of transactions, and describe and draw an example
of each type of transaction with dialogue

Complimentary transaction: The diagram is of an Adult : Adult complimentary

transaction. The diagram is of an Adult : Adult complimentary transaction.
Manager-What can you do to meet the deadlines of this project?
Employee-We can increase the number of the people which are working in this
project.

Crossed Transactions:The diagram shows a Parent to Child stimulus is crossed with

an Adult response. Look both ways before you cross the street- You

always blame me for everything!

Ulterior Transactions: Parent > Child ... "You stupid boy, you are late!" or Child >
Parent... "Please don't be angry; I did my best to get it finished on time". The ulterior
transaction is shown as a broken line in the transactional diagram.The meaning will be
made clear to the receiver by the use of non-verbal language clues... a wagging finger
for example along with a stern look will usually mean a Parent > Child ulterior

Questions 4
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Mihaela Hritcu-Str Neculau nr 11A tr1,Et.2,Ap12,Iasi,Romania

Explain the relationship between stimulus hunger, recognition hunger, and strokes. Include
definitions of each concept in your answer

Eric Berne described certain hungers which are experienced by all of us. One of
these is the need for physical and mental stimulation. Berne called this stimulus
hunger.

He pointed to the work of researchers in human and animal development. In a well

known investigation, Rene Spitz had observed babies reared in a childrens home.

They were well fed, kept clean and warm. Yet, they were more likely to experience
physical and emotional difficulties than were children brought up by their mothers or
other direct stimulation. Spitz concluded that what the children in the home lacked
was stimulation. They had little to look at all day except the white walls of their
rooms.

Above all, they had little physical contact with those who looked after them. They
lacked touching, cuddling and stroking which babies would normally get from their
caretakers

Recognition hunger Bernes choice of the word stroke refer to infant need for touching.
As grownups, we still crave physical contact. But we also learnt to substitute other
forms of recognition in place of physical touching. A smile, a compliment or for that
matter a frown or an insult all show us that our existence has been recognized. Berne
used the term recognition hunger to describe our need for this kind of acknowledgement
from others. That we count as somebody to others.
A stroke is defined as a unit of recognition. (Berne 1971) A stroke is a unit of attention
which provides stimulation to an individual. (Woollams and Brown: Transactional Analysis
1978)
Stimulus Hunger Need for physical and mental stimulation
Stimulus Hunger Study by Rene Spitz Bernes Choice of the word stroke refers to the infants
need for touching.

Mihaela Hritcu-Str Neculau nr 11A tr1,Et.2,Ap12,Iasi,Romania

Recognition Hunger As grownups, we learn to substitute other forms of recognition in place

of physical touching. A smile, a compliment, frown or insult all shows our existence has
been recognized. Berne used to term recognition hunger to describe our need for this kind of
acknowledgement from others.

Kinds of strokes

Verbal or Non Verbal Any transaction is an exchange of strokes. Most transactions involve
both verbal and non verbal exchanges. They may be wholly non verbal. It is difficult to
imagine a transaction which is purely verbal.
Internal or external INTERNAL - fantasies, self praise, and other forms of self stimulation.
EXTERNAL- strokes from others are important for healthy living.
Positive or Negative A positive stroke is one which the receiver experiences as pleasant. A
negative stroke is one experienced as painful. Any kind of stroke is better than no stroke at
all.
Conditional or Unconditional A conditional stroke relates to what you do. An
unconditional stroke relates to what you are. Positive conditional. Positive unconditional.
Negative conditional. Negative Unconditional

Questions 5
Discounting is an internal mechanism whereby a person minimizes or ignores some aspect of
themselves, others or the situation. Give an example of the four levels of Discounting by
using a person going on holiday as an illustration:

The levels of discounting can be categorize as:

The existence of a problem-the weather forecast is bad but the person still decide to go in
holiday.
The significance of a problem-the weather is always the same in this period
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Mihaela Hritcu-Str Neculau nr 11A tr1,Et.2,Ap12,Iasi,Romania

The change the possibilities-the weather may not change

The person ability to actually carry out the change-You could change the ticket but I can't
change the ticket.

Questions 6
Describe how work colleagues might model the six ways of structuring time at a party:
The way in which we structure time is likely to reflect the different hungers. We all structure
time in a variety of way, Berne's recognised six ways of structuring time :
Withdrawal- to be in solitude, to participate in a `meaningful` activity (to do something with
a purpose)
Rituals-(things we do again and again, just because of itself - I always do this at this hour...)
are simple hellos, goodbyes, good mornings, and responses such as Fine, how are you?
that provide a way for strangers to give one another recognition in the shortest amount of
time possible without great risk of time or emotion. Some, but very little risk
Pastimes -just let the time to pass by way of structuring time : A pastime is a series of

Mihaela Hritcu-Str Neculau nr 11A tr1,Et.2,Ap12,Iasi,Romania

transactions that are complementary (reciprocal), semi-ritualistic, and mainly intended as a

time-structuring activity. Pastimes have no covert purpose and can usually be carried out only
between people on the same wavelength. They are usually shallow and harmless. Pastimes
are a type of Smalltalk.
Activities- are a way of moving into relationships that focus on accomplishing a task
together such as serving on a committee, playing in a band, etc. Committees present
increased risk because there is a mutual exchange of different ideas and often a need to work
toward understanding differences and reaching a consensus
Games -playing games- in TA sense - strategic behavior- are ways for an individual to move
into relationships where they will be allowed to move back and forth between positive and
negative recognition for one another according to their individual perceived level of risk at
any one timethe TA Drama Triangle!
Intimacy-your own space- involves the greatest risk in relationship and recognition because it
is based on a desire, and willingness, to invest the time it takes to consistently maintain
honest exchange, mutual respect for differences, clarity of understanding, and trust in
relationships
Obtaining balance means ensuring that we have sufficient time for play and intimacy and if
this does not occur then it would be beneficial to explore what we might be avoiding.
Speaking in very general terms, this is the context of our transactions.

Questions 7
Describe a game that you have observed and use the Drama Triangle to analyse it. What was
the
Payoff for each of the participants?
Transactional Analysis is a therapeutic and analytical system developed by Eric Berne. It
focuses on personality, social interaction and therapeutic analysis. Part of the system looks at
the games people play, and the roles they assume in these games. There are three basic roles:
The Rescuer
We take on the role of rescuer when we perceive another person to be hopeless and helpless,
in other words a victim. As part of this role we take full responsibility for that persons well
being, making them feel as though they cant help themselves. By adopting this role we keep
others dependent on us and make them feel that they cant cope without us.
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Mihaela Hritcu-Str Neculau nr 11A tr1,Et.2,Ap12,Iasi,Romania

The Persecutor
Persecutors start off as rescuers or victims. Because rescuers have assumed total
responsibility for a victims well being, the victim will ask questions of the rescuer. The
rescuer tries to solve the questions and give answers, but becomes increasingly frustrated
when the victim rejects all of these answers as being unhelpful. Rescuers then begin to
persecute the victim. This emphasises the fact that we shouldnt try to rescue people who
dont need to be.
The Victim
Victims are often helped by rescuers when they havent asked to be. There are situations in
life where people are victims, for example someone who has been burgled or assaulted, but in
transactional analysis the victim contributes to the game. They pass all responsibility for their
well being to the rescuer, and dont try to overcome this oppression. Victims eventually
persecute their rescuers.
Where does this game begin? According to Berne families are the training ground for the
Drama triangle with children assuming the role of the victim and parents the
rescuers/persecutors. Examples would be parents deciding on what friends a child should
have, or reminding them that adults know whats best. We may take these beliefs into
adulthood. If we dont want to be a victim we must stand up for ourselves and demand not to
be rescued. Rescuers may struggle to take no for an answer because they feel guilty when not
playing the rescuing game. Victims therefore have to be determined!
Persecutor
Ulterior message: You made me feel like Im not OK, so now Ill make you feel the same
thing.
Payoff: I was right to believe that you dont think Im OK.
Rescuer
Ulterior message: Youre not OK, so I will help you and then youll see that I am OK.
Payoff: Ive been trying so hard to help you and you rejected me, so youre not OK, but I
am OK because at least I tried. or I helped you, see how great I am?

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Mihaela Hritcu-Str Neculau nr 11A tr1,Et.2,Ap12,Iasi,Romania

Victim
Ulterior message: Im not OK and nobody can help me.
Payoff: I told you that nobody can help me. Im (special because) helpless.

Questions 8
Name the four life positions and explain how they relate to games and scripts, giving
examples.
1. I'm Not OK, You're OK
2. I'm Not OK, You're Not OK
3. I'm OK, You're Not OK
4. I'm OK, You're OK

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The most common position is I'm Not OK, You're OK. As children we see that adults are
large, strong and competent and that we are little, weak and often make mistakes, so we
conclude I'm Not OK, You're OK. Children who are abused may conclude I'm Not OK, You're
Not OK or I'm OK, You're Not OK, but this is much less common.
A game is a series of transactions that are complementary (reciprocal), ulterior, and proceeds
towards a predictable outcome. Games are often characterized by a switch in roles of players
towards the end. Games are usually played by Parent, Adult and Child ego states, and games
usually have a fixed number of players; however, an individual's role can shift, and people
can play multiple roles. Games are a way of structuring time.
The Life Script is a life plan, directed to a reward. Script is decisional and responsive; that is
decided upon in childhood in response to perceptions of the world and as a means of living
with and making sense of the world. It is not just thrust upon a person by external forces.
Script is reinforced by parents (or other influential figures and experiences). Script is for the
most part outside awareness. Script is how we navigate and what we look for, the rest of
reality is redefined (distorted) to match our filters
For example: Somebody who adopts a life position such as- I am not OK, You are OK, tend
to feel powerless, depressed and inferior. These people accept readily criticism and negative
strokes from others. These people would involve in games that would enforce their position
of victims in the drama triangle. Also their scripts would usually describe their life position as
a person who depreciates constantly their abilities and force to deal with life situations. In this
way the scripts are constructed around the life position somebody adapts.

Questions 9
Define injunction, program, counter injunction, and early decision. Explain the part each
plays in script formation, using a script matrix to illustrate.

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Mihaela Hritcu-Str Neculau nr 11A tr1,Et.2,Ap12,Iasi,Romania

Injunction- Injunctions are messages we received that usually begin with the word "Don't"
and are instructions on how to behave. For example, "Don't be you" is an injunction that says
don't be who you really are, be someone or something else. TA. identifies twelve key
injunctions which people commonly build into their scripts. These are injunctions in the sense
of being powerful. I can't/mustn't ... messages that embed into a child's belief and life-script:

Don't be (don't exist)

Don't be who you are

Don't be a child

Don't grow up

Don't make it in your life

Don't do anything!

Don't be important

Don't belong

Don't be close
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Don't be well (don't be sane!)

Don't think

Don't feel

Program-is the parent's modelling and message for how to do things and for how one carries
out injunctions
Counter junction-are the verbal directives that a parent gives theis child that are taken on and
assumed by the child. They consist of commands about what to do, not to do and definitions
of people and the world. These scripts messages originated from the mother and father's
Parent ego-states and are filed away as a part of the child's Parent
There are five commands in particular which form the counter script

Be perfect
Be Strong
Be Hard
Please
Hurry Up

Early decision-are made by a child to make sense of their world and are made with childhood
resources besed on our limited childhood experiences and perceptions, which are filed away
in a child's three Parent, Adult and Child ego-states. It is the child who decides what to do
with the early injunctions they receive, hence the early decision the forms all basis for
communication and behaviour.

Questions 10
Using a TA definition of autonomy, distinguish between autonomy and independence, giving
examples of how you might recognize the difference.

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Mihaela Hritcu-Str Neculau nr 11A tr1,Et.2,Ap12,Iasi,Romania

Autonomy Achieving autonomy is the ultimate goal in transactional analysis. Being

autonomous means that is generally understood to refer to the capacity to be one's own
person, being self governing, to live one's life according to reasons and motives that are taken
as one's own and not the product of manipulative or distorting external forces Everyone has
the capacity to obtain a measure of autonomy. But in spite of that fact that autonomy is a
human birthright, few actually achieve it.
Man is born free, but one of the first things he learns is to do as he is told and he spends the
rest of his life doing that. Thus his first enslavement is to his parents. He follows their
instructions forevermore, retaining only in some cases, the right to choose his own methods
and consoling himself with an illusion of autonomy. Eric Berne
Autonomy According to Berne, autonomy is manifested by release or recovery of three
capacities.

Awareness
Spontaneity
Intimacy

Awareness is the capacity to see, hear, feel, taste and smell things as pure sensual
impressions, in the way a new born infant does.
Awareness is knowing what is happening now. An autonomous person is aware. This
person peels away the layers of contamination from the Adult and beings to hear, see, smell,
touch, taste, study and evaluate independently.
Knowing that life is temporal, an aware person appreciates nature now. An aware person
experiences that part of the universe know to the self, as well as the mystery of those
universes yet to be discovered.
An aware person is all there and fully aware. People who are aware know where they are,
what they are doing and how they feel about it.
Independence is more like being not connected to others, that is something different from
autonomous where you see yourself as part of a community not being outside.
Autonomy is when the child learns to do things on his/her own confines of his/her family
structure while independent means to make all the choices, irrespective of anyone else,
operates under your own power more in respect of the adult life after you are not under
family strings

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