Transactional Analysis
Journal
April 2001 Abstract
Volume 31, Number 2
(sold out)
TAJ Reflections on Transactional Analysis in the Context
of Contemporary Relational Approaches
by Diana Shmukler
This article evaluates and contextualizes transactional analysis in relation to
contemporary relational approaches to psychotherapy. In evaluating the
contribution transactional analysis has made to our thinking and understanding
of human functioning, the author expands her discussion to include a
description of the applications of transactional analysis to cross-cultural,
social, and organizational settings. The challenges that face transactional
analysis in the future are also considered.
The Analysis of Defense Mechanisms in the Transactional
Analysis Setting
by Valentina Terlato
In this article the
author examines the recognized meaning of defense mechanisms in transactional
analysis theory. In particular, it stresses that in Berne's model and its later
developments, clinical attention has focused primarily on the consequences
produced by defense mechanisms, while analysis of the intrapsychic processes
implied in the manifestation of a defensive behavior remains marginal. A
possible explanation for this is suggested with reference to Berne's theory of
ego states, and the clinical implications of this orientation of Berne's theory
are considered.
Case Formulations: Comparison of Transactional Analysis
Script Analysis and the Patient's Plan Diagnosis Method
by Roy M.
Salole
This article describes a study that tested two hypotheses: (1)
that life script analysis is a reliable method of case formulation and (2) that
there is significant agreement between clinicians using script analysis and
those using the patient's plan diagnosis (PPD) method. Eight clinicians trained
in transactional analysis were given copies of a published case summary
(Curtis, Silberschatz, Sampson, Weiss, Rosenberg, 1988) and asked to rate
standardized script formulations as applied to the case as well as to rate the
previously published formulation statements made using the PPD method. The
eight clinicians showed good agreement when rating both the standardized
transactional analysis formulations (a = .8535) and the published PPD
formulations (a = .7279). There was less agreement between the ratings of the
transactional analysis clinicians and the published ratings of clinicians using
the PPD method. Specific formulation statements showed significant divergence
in the rating of the transactional analysis therapists when compared to the
published PPD clinicians' ratings. Possible reasons for the variations are
discussed, and implications for clinicians are suggested.
Experiences of Patients after Short-Term Inpatient
Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy
by Moniek Thunnissen, Hugo J.
Duivenvoorden, and R. Wim Trijsburg
This article presents the results
of interviews with 14 ex-patients four years after a short-term inpatient
psychotherapy in which transactional analysis was used as one of the methods.
These interviews show that for some patients the positive results of the
psychotherapy did not hold; their symptoms recurred and they sought help again.
For them the transition from the hospital to society was difficult, especially
since they did not participate in aftercare. The results of the interviews has
stimulated additional research, which is already underway, to compare the
effects of different forms of aftercare on complaints and seeking help
again.
Fascination as a Result of Confluence of Conscious and
Unconscious States of the Ego
by Ken and Mary Woods
This
article considers the psychological mechanism by which some people come to
regard sadistic and murderous leaders with fascination. The initial formation
of the ego in the species and in the individual is reviewed. Berne (1961, p.
xix) reported that ego states of former age levels are maintained in potential
existence within the personality. The authors describe how these early,
primitive states of the ego reside in an unconscious state within what may be
defined as a third dimension of the conscious and observable ego state diagram.
A definition of unconscious states of the ego is provided that allows us to
account for their influence on observable, conscious states of the ego and how
and why this influence may in some people transform realistic fear of sadistic
and dangerous individuals into fascination.
Ego States and the Theory of Theory: The Strange Case of
the Little Professor
by Ian Stewart
This speech discusses
the processes of reasoning that are entailed in the building of scientific
models and sets forth some generally accepted principles of model building. The
speaker emphasizes that a "good" model can only be defined in terms of its
usefulness, which in turn can only be judged against the intended use of the
model. A model can never be said to be "correct" or "incorrect." In light of
these principles, the speaker suggests a critique of various different versions
of the ego state model.
(sold out)
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