Transactional Analysis - Dr E Berne

Hi Everyone

Another communication model I am researching for my essay. To those studying counselling, I know you will be familiar with Transactional Analysis, the method for studying interaction between individuals. This concept was developed by Dr Eric Berne in 1957. Berne's approach to therapy was simply observing the way the patient communicated (through words, body language and facial expressions) in a transaction. Berne believed there were ego states and these were behind each and every transaction. They consisted of the Parent, Adult and Child. Berne found that within his therapy sessions with patients they would change over the course of a conversation. Berne claimed that the changes didn't necessarily mean verbal, they could include facial, body language, body temperature and many non verbal cues as mentioned above. I quite like this model as I can see its merits. According to Gladding (2005), the child ego state is that part of the personality characterised by childlike behaviours and feelings. It is subdivided in two divisions (natural child) spontaneous, impulsive and often self centred and pleasure loving or (adaptive child) the compliant part that conforms to the wishes and demands of parent figures. On the other hand, the adult ego state is rational and organised, it is the objective, thinking, data-gathering part of a person. Moreover, the parent ego state incorporates the attitudes and behaviours of parental figures that is, the dos, shoulds, and oughts. This ego state is also subdivided with the nuturing parent that conforms, praises and aids others. Where the critical parent finds fault, displays prejudices and prevents others from feeling good about themselves. This example by Gladding (2005)illustrates Berne's ego states in action..'a woman may observe an attractive man and go through the following self-dialogue: "He is really good looking and well spoken [adult], but he's probably stuck up [critical parent], although I've heard he's very sensitive [nuturing parent]. I wonder how I could attract him and get him to notice me [natural child]. Oops! I'd better stop looking and get back to work, or my boss will get mad at me [adaptive child].".. This is an interesting model to me to understand which ego state(s) a person is using when engaging in interpersonal communication. Do you think this model has merit? Tell me what your thoughts are. Cheers Michelle ;)