Bulls n' Bears

 

The Three Internal Ego-states

Transactional Analysis as developed by Eric Berne identified three major ego states or roles from within which people interact with each other. These are:

 

1.    The Parent ego. In this state we mimic the behavior of our parents or other authority figures. It is from this role that dominance over the other party (or ourselves) is expressed. But it should be remembered that this is how we interpret the behavior of significant authority figures as a child, and our version may well be an exaggeration. We would adopt this state when we are reprimanding another or prising another

2.    The Adult ego. This operates on a purely rational basis. It is described as being like a computer and unemotional. In this state an objective appraisal of reality is possible. Transactional Analysis encourages this mode as being a more mature approach and this is the preferred role.

3.    The Child ego. Here the individual would revert to automatic childhood responses. When being reprimanded or praised this would be the role adopted.

This approach has to a large extent been validated by psychology In particular, childhood experiences play a significant role in our subsequent development and psychological disorders.

It is interesting as well that effective advertising also appeals mainly to the child, with praise or other subtle appeals to a child ego. To a lesser extent appeals are made to the parent. Advertisements which seem to be aimed at the adult ego would usually contain a more subtle appeal to one of the other states. This is because it has been found that emotion is much more effective than logic as a persuasion technique.

At work, it would be preferable to operate from the adult role, although a manager might have recourse to the parent role and employees dealing with the public should be encouraged to make the appropriate appeal to emotion.

From a personal perspective, one should try to employ the adult ego-state, especially when dealing with one’s children. The example set is likely to be emulated in later life. On this basis, what behavior should be encouraged in children? Behavior modification is the goal, rather than pure dominance. Here, the role of love should not be underestimated. This should be the basis of our interactions with others, rather than pure self-interest.