Self Concept

Ego states

Transactional Analysis

• An alternative to Goffman’s idea of the world as a play is Transactional Analysis

• Eric Berne (1968)

• Communication is a transaction• An agreement between sender and receiver• We negotiate these transactions with others

during communication• Looking for compromise or a win

Ego states

• Berne relates these transactions to three key ego states or conditions of ‘the self’

• Child

• Parent

• Adult

• Not levels of maturity but options available to us all to use when we choose as part of our negotiations within communication

• Each ego states has its own patterns of behaviour, codes and NVC

• As senders, we choose (often unconsciously) which state to use

• As receivers we match with the best choice

The Child

• The natural child = spontaneous, curious, uninhibited. Communicated freely and openly. Responds well when needs are met and badly when not

• The adapted child = altered feelings as result of experience. Guilt, fear, anxiety etc. Reacts badly to external demands, sulks, avoids, complies reluctantly

The Parent

• In this state we take on the characteristics and beliefs of those who raised us. We use prejudged ideas.

• The critical parent uses force and discipline as communication tactics

• The nurturing parent uses love and positive tactics

The Adult

• Uses reason and logic to solve problems

• Relate experience to emotion

Activity

• How might ego states impact on communication?

Create a scenario for a TV show or film in which characters are interacting with one another. Point out any ego states used and the codes within those states.