Transactional analysis - A brief introduction

1. What Is Transactional Analysis?

Transactional Analysis (TA) is a psychological theory of personality and communication that

helps explain why people behave, think, and feel the way they do in different situations. At its core, TA suggests that every person has three main “ego states”- Parent, Adult, and Child - which influence how they interact with others. These ego states are not the same as “roles” or “moods”; they are consistent patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that come from different stages of life. TA provides a framework for recognising communication patterns, understanding emotional responses, and improving how people relate to one another. It is used in counselling, education, organisations, and even everyday conversations because it offers a simple, accessible way to understand human relationships.

2. What Is the Theory Behind TA?

The theory behind Transactional Analysis is built on the idea that human personality is made up of three distinct ego states:

Parent

This contains rules, beliefs, and behaviours learned from caregivers and authority figures. It can be Nurturing (supportive, caring) or Critical (judgemental, controlling).

Adult

This is the rational, present-focused part of us that processes information calmly and makes balanced decisions. The Adult ego state helps us respond logically rather than emotionally.

Child

This represents feelings, creativity, needs, and early experiences. It includes the Free Child (playful, curious) and Adapted Child (compliant, rebellious, anxious).

TA theory says that communication is made up of “transactions”. What are the exchanges between these ego states? When two people communicate in compatible ego states (for example, Adult to Adult), the conversation tends to run smoothly. Problems arise when ego states cross (such as one person speaking from Parent while the other responds from Child), which can lead to misunderstanding, conflict, or emotional reactions.

TA also includes the idea of life scripts. Unconscious patterns and decisions formed in early childhood shape our behaviours and beliefs in adulthood. These scripts influence choices, relationships, and coping strategies, often without us realising it. TA therapy works to identify and rewrite unhelpful scripts so individuals can live more freely and purposefully.

3. Key Concepts of TA

Transactional Analysis contains several detailed and interconnected concepts that deepen its practical use:

Ego States

The three ego states, Parent, Adult, and Child, are the foundation of the model. Each ego state has its own emotional tone, thinking style, and behavioural patterns. For example, someone speaking from the Critical Parent may sound bossy or judgmental, while someone in the Free Child may be

playful or spontaneous.

Transactions

A “transaction” is a single unit of communication. TA examines which ego state starts the exchange and which ego state responds.

Here are some examples of a transaction through the ego states of TA

1.       Adult → Adult

A: “What time does the meeting start?”

B: “At 3 pm. Would you like the agenda?”

2.       Child → Parent

A (Child): “I can’t do this; can you help me?”

B (Parent): “It’s okay, I’ll guide you.”

3.       Parent → Parent

A: “People should be more organised.”

B: “I agree, standards are slipping.”

4.        Parent → Child

A (Parent): “Tidy your room now.”

B (Child): “Okay… I will.”

5.       Child → Child

A: “Let’s skip work and go for ice cream!”

B: “Yes! Let’s do it!”

6.        Adult → Parent

A (Adult): “Can you explain why this rule is needed?”

B (Parent): “People need clear guidance.”

7.       Adult → Child

A (Child): “I’m really scared.”

B (Adult): “I understand. Let’s look at what’s worrying you.”

Strokes

Strokes are units of recognition; we all need them to feel valued. They can be positive or

negative, verbal or non-verbal. TA says that humans will even accept negative strokes rather than be ignored altogether.

Life Scripts

Life scripts are deep psychological patterns formed in childhood. They arise from early messages (“Be perfect,” “Don’t be important,” “Don’t make mistakes”) and shape how a person views themselves and their world. Scripts influence relationships, self-worth, and decision-making.

Games People Play

Eric Berne described “psychological games” which broke down are repetitive cycles of unhealthy behaviour and communication. These games follow predictable patterns and end with negative feelings. Recognising a game allows a person to stop the cycle and respond differently.

The OK-OK Model

TA promotes an “I’m OK, You’re OK” outlook, which encourages mutual respect and equality in relationships. Other positions (“I’m not OK,” “You’re not OK”) often come from childhood experiences and lead to unhealthy interactions. Therapy helps clients move toward the healthier “OK-OK” stance.