In Transactional Analysis, people communicate from three distinct ego states:
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- Parent: Copies behaviours, feelings, and prejudices recorded from parental figures. It manifests as either critical (judging/scolding) or nurturing (comforting/protecting). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
- Adult: Functions like a data-processing computer. It operates in the present moment, analysing reality objectively and making logical, emotion-free decisions. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
- Child: Replays thoughts, feelings, and reactions experienced during early childhood. It can be natural (spontaneous/creative) or adapted (conforming/rebellious to past expectations). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Healthy communication occurs when people consciously match their chosen state to the situation.
