Transactional Analysis What is Transactional Analysis? We all need to use communication skills at work. Our ability to get the results we need at work, especially when those results depend on the efforts and understanding of others, is critically dependent on our ability to communicate well. In order to improve the quality of communication, we all need to understand our own communication styles and preferences. Transactional Analysis (TA) is a system which helps us understand how we present ourselves to others in communication terms, why we present ourselves in such a way and how we can manage that presentation to create better communication. Eric Berne developed the theory in the 1950’s. The core concept of TA is a system for analysing transactions between people. A transaction is defined as a stimulus plus a response. If I say ‘Hi there!’ to you, that is a stimulus; if you look up and reply ‘Hi’, that is a response and there has been a transaction between us. In the analysis of transactions, Berne devised the concept of ego states to help explain what goes on during the process of communication. The ego states categorise the way think, feel and behave and are called Parent, Adult and Child. According to TA theory, experiences are recorded in the brain and stored as if on a tape. Experiences from childhood – what was learned from and taught by parents or equivalents, perceptions of events and the feelings associated with those events – are captured on the tapes and provide the sources for currents behaviour. It is assumed that the early learning on the tapes cannot be erased, even if it is no longer appropriate, but it can be updated as we learn from experience. In addition to the actual past events being recorded by our brains, the feelings that were associated with the event are also recorded. The brain functions as a tape recorder, putting on a tape every experience from the time of birth. There are the three main modes of behaviour for all adults.
P
Parent Ego State Behaviours, thoughts and feelings copied from parents or parent figures
A
Adult Ego State Behaviours, thoughts and feelings which are direct responses to here and now
C
Child Ego State Behaviours, thoughts and feelings replayed from childhood
Most people have no choice over which ego state is being used – we react to other people, to situations and memories. What TA can do is enable us to: • • • •
Recognise how we behave Understand why we behave the way we do Choose more appropriate ways of behaving and take responsibility for our behaviour Influence the behaviour of others.
Ego States The Parent ego state can be split into Nurturing Parent and Critical Parent and the Child ego state into Natural Child and Adapted Child.
P
A
C
Parent Ego State Either Nurturing Parent or Critical Parent Adult Ego State
Child Ego State Either Natural Child or Adapted Child
Parent Ego State Parent behaviour is taught behaviour. It stems from beliefs about what is proper, right and wrong, the rules and laws that children heard and observed from their parents. This provides discipline and protection. Parent behaviour has a heavy emphasis on controlling. The Nurturing Parent can be both positive and negative. A positive NP is caring, concerned, protective, sympathetic and comforting. A negative NP can stifle, prevent others from growing by solving their problems and doing things for them. The Critical Parent can also be positive and negative. A positive CP is principled, sets standards, establishes rules, sets boundaries and provides security. A negative CP is prejudicial, opinionated, critical, punitive and controlling. Child Ego State Child behaviour stems from our needs, our wants and our feelings. Child behaviour demonstrates an emotional response to the stimulus provided and tends to be spontaneous. When a person is in the grip of feelings, we say his Child has taken over.
The Natural Child is the part of our personality that we are born with. It is entirely dictated by feelings. Positive NC behaviour includes being loving, impulsive, inquisitive, curious, affectionate and playful. When the positive NC’s needs are met, he responds with a warm feeling. A negative NC behaviour is fearful, self-indulgent, self-centred, angry and aggressive. In both the positive and negative states, a NC’s behaviour is spontaneous, made-up of completely natural impulses. The Adapted Child begins to develop during the first years of life; he is reactive, rather than spontaneous. Behaviour is adapted, natural impulses toned down and are under the influence of our internal Parent. Positive AC behaviour is co-operative, compliant, accommodating, does what others want. A negative AC refuses to do what others want. Behaviour is rebellious, resentful or over-adapting. Adult Ego State Adult behaviour involves gathering information, evaluating it and using it to make and implement decisions. The Adult has the capacity to monitor and, if necessary, update Parent and Child tapes. Adult behaviour is thinking rather than feeling. The adult continues to develop throughout life. It is logical, reasonable, rational and unemotional; it does not have feelings such as anger, joy, sadness, fear and frustration.
Strokes In TA terms, a stroke is a unit of recognition. When someone compliments you, praises your work, smiles, waves or nods at you, they are giving you a stroke. We all have a need for strokes; some need more than others. When a person is not getting their quota of strokes, or the right sort of strokes, he or she will go out his or her way to manipulate situations to obtain the strokes they need. These manoeuvres can be counter-productive.