What is Transactional Analysis? Role Patterns in Communication

The general idea of Transactional Analysis is that throughout our youth and life experiences, we unconsciously create norms and values that influence how we think, feel, and act. For example, people have a need to be accepted, which leads us to conform our behavior out of self-protection or the desire to belong to a group.

The Transactional Analysis model assumes that a person’s behavior or emotional state is the result of an inner dialogue. This dialogue occurs between our different, often unconscious beliefs or ego states. Transactional Analysis helps us understand where these ideas come from, how they are learned, and how they can work for or against us.

• What is Transactional Analysis? – Explanation
• The transactional model & components
• OVK Model – Ego States
• Transactional Analysis - Drivers, Stoppers, Script
• Strokes and rackets
• Transactional Analysis Examples – Drama and Winner Triangles

What is Transactional Analysis? – Explanation

Transactional Analysis is a psychoanalytic method for deciphering interactions (transactions) to gain more insight and understanding into certain behaviors. This can involve both verbal and non-verbal communication.

The transactional model examines how we interpret messages based on our ‘iceberg’ or the way we think, feel, and act. This often stems from our upbringing or other life experiences.

Transactional Analysis aims to provide people with more autonomy and control over how they lead their lives. The process contributes to expanding awareness, which leads to greater integrity, meaning, and responsibility.
 

Discover more practical coaching tools for yourself or your team!

The transactional model & components

The transactional analysis model generally has three principles:

1. Everyone is valuable – I am okay, you are okay!
2. People have the ability to think for themselves.
3. Behavior is largely determined by (unconscious) decisions. These decisions can be revisited to achieve a different, better outcome.

OVK Model – Ego States

The OVK model explores different aspects of our personality. It analyzes how life experiences lead to certain beliefs and how these shape our personality. In Transactional Analysis, these aspects are often referred to as ego states.

These ego states influence how we think, feel, and act:

1. Parent – In this state, we act based on learned norms and values. We have adopted behaviors and ways of thinking from parental figures.
2. Adult – We respond based on what is happening 'here and now.' By reasoning rationally, we make realistic decisions, although we might sometimes get stuck in the analysis phase.
3. Child – We act based on our childhood experiences and upbringing. We have expectations or needs that must be fulfilled, which causes us to fall into certain behavior patterns automatically. These are also learned.

Ego states are automatic patterns of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that have developed throughout your life. They represent aspects of yourself that change depending on the context you are in.

When we make unconscious decisions, the brain always takes the path of least resistance. In other words, we revert to old habits. This is sometimes referred to as automatic patterns.

You can compare it to driving into an old rut on a dirt road. The more you drive into the same rut, the deeper it becomes, and the harder it is to get out of it. It is only by creating a new path and consistently following it that you develop new and better habits.

Transactional Analysis - Drivers, Stoppers, Script

Drivers

Drivers are norms, values, and behaviors that we perceive as approved. These interpretations vary among individuals and stem from upbringing and experiences. It represents a form of conditional behavior.

For example, drivers may originate from messages from parental figures such as, "Try harder." We only receive approval when we meet certain expectations. For instance, "I am okay if I do my best."

Although drivers can often be positive, they can also be oppressive. Perfectionism, for example, often arises from high expectations we place on ourselves, seeking approval from others.

Stoppers

Stoppers are the opposite of drivers. We view these as disapproved behaviors. This also stems from (non-verbal) messages. For example, if you come from a family where emotions were never discussed, you might interpret this as "do not show emotions."

Script

A script is the thinking, feeling, and behaving that we learn to gain approval. This often occurs as a form of self-protection or to meet certain social needs. Depending on the situation, we adopt roles that fit within the context.

Although the transactional analysis model largely relies on experiences from upbringing, we also find these patterns in other relationships. From communication, an expectation pattern emerges to which we conform. The parental figure could also be the management in an organization or school. These patterns can be both reinforcing and limiting.

TA Strokes and rackets

Strokes

Strokes are a type of transaction where we seek attention and recognition. This can be either positive or negative. In some cases, negative recognition is still better than no recognition.

Additionally, we distinguish between conditional and unconditional strokes. Conditional strokes are given based on behavior or performance. You receive positive or negative recognition for something you have done. Unconditional strokes relate to how you are as a person.

In our culture, we have learned to filter strokes, which means we often unconsciously ignore or negate strokes. This happens both when giving and receiving strokes:

1. Don’t give strokes – What he did was part of his job; I don’t need to comment on it.
2. Don’t accept strokes – What I did was normal; anyone would have done the same.
3. Don’t ask for strokes – Don’t fish for compliments.
4. Don’t give yourself strokes – Don’t pat yourself on the back; stay humble.
5. Don’t refuse strokes – When your superior says you did something wrong, assume they are right.

Rackets

Rackets are part of the script in transactional analysis. They are patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that do not align with the actual circumstances. To protect or justify yourself, you automatically assume the role of "accuser" or "victim."

By doing this, you conceal some of your authentic feelings that are seen as ‘inappropriate’ or ‘not allowed.’ As a result, the underlying problem is not addressed.

Develop Your Coaching Knowledge & Skills! Discover Advanced Training Days in the Shift & Grow Community!

Transactional Analysis Examples – Drama and Winner Triangles

A well-known model within transactional analysis is the Drama Triangle. This model highlights elements such as drivers, scripts, strokes, and rackets.

In the Drama Triangle, the roles are interdependent. In other words, one person’s behavior triggers the behavior of the other. For instance, a persecutor will provoke the behavior of the victim, who in turn evokes the rescuer. The goal of these transactions is not to solve the problem but to protect oneself or gain a form of recognition.

However, when we create an open dialogue, we shift from transaction to transformation. Both parties build on each other by communicating openly. This requires a degree of openness and vulnerability. Both parties must trust each other and take feedback seriously. This way, they can work together towards a constructive solution that benefits everyone involved.

Discover more for the development of yourself and your organization in our training programs!