Transactional Analysis

Transactional Analysis was created by psychotherapist Dr. Eric Berne [1910-1970]
from independent studies in the Fifties resulting in publication of papers defining T/A in 1957.
His most famous book [and phrase] was 'Games People Play' [1964].

Transactional Analysis can be thought of as a cube, with six faces:

Structural Analysis: the Parent, Adult, and Child ego states, and the transactions between them.
Game Theory {see WMail Essay #17 {Nov 2001}: "Game Theory In A Nutshell"}
Okay/Not Okay: the four patterns of esteem for self and others
Time Structure {see WMail Essay #38 {Dec 2003}: "Time Structure"}
Script Analysis: how children unconsciously choose a common myth or story as the model for their future, then forget it, leaving the adult taking action based on a plan for life of which he/she is not consciously aware.
Stroke Economy: the innate human need for 'strokes', which can be 'warm & fuzzy' or 'cold & prickly';
and Trading Stamps: how people collect certain types of 'trading stamps' from life, and when they have enough they are 'entitled' to a particular prize. {see WMail Essay #61 {July 2006}: "Non-Monetary Economics"}

An original summary of T/A, with emphasis on Game Theory is contained in Chapters 11 & 12 of "Working Minds: A Philosophy of Empowerment".

Dr. Claude M. Steiner, PhD was a student of Dr. Berne for many years
prior to Berne's death in June 1970, and subsequently wrote
this wonderful summary of T/A, still in print after 30+ years.

Bratin Chakrabarti of Poughkeepsie, NY has created this half-hour video based on T/A principles.

	Dr. Berne official website I.T.A.A.'s Eric Berne history page Eric Berne entry at Wikipedia browse books by Eric Berne
	"Eric Berne, Master Gamesman: A Transactional Biography" [1984] by Elizabeth & Henry Jorgensen Grove Press hardcover [9/84] out of print/rare Grove Press hardcover [9/84] out of print/rare

Transactional Analysis Page