Transactional Analysis

Transactional Analysis (TA) is a communication and interpersonal relationship theory developed by Eric Berne. It looks at communication patterns between people according to the three basic ego states: Parent, Adult, and Child. This was inspired by but different from Freud’s theory of Id, Ego, and Superego. By recognizing which ego state a person communicates in and selecting the proper role to take on, one can improve the quality of communication and reduce conflicts.

TA believes that everyone internalizes a Parent image based on our childhood experiences with caregivers. The Parent image can be nurturing or critical. These earlier experiences influence how a person views self and others, which determines their values and decision-making. The Child is the part of us that’s intuitive, creative, happy, undisciplined. It’s influenced by our early childhood experiences. The Adult is the part of a person that is rational, mature, logical, and objective. It takes into account both the Parent and Child’s perception.

Communication and relationship work the best when both people dominantly speak or act out of the Adult state. Otherwise, communication may break down. For example, one asks, “Did you see my wallet?” Instead of replying, “Oh, I didn’t see it. Where did you last use it?”, which is an Adult voice, the other may say, “You are so careless! How many times did I tell you not to lose your wallet?” This comes from a critical Parent voice. Or the person may reply, “Why do you always blame me for everything?” This comes from a helpless Child voice.

Therapists may analyze the client’s interpersonal relationships and seek patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. TA helps people grow by strengthening the Adult voice. TA can also be used in parenting, education, and management settings to help people deliver messages more effectively.