{"id":58843,"date":"2022-02-17T09:09:02","date_gmt":"2022-02-17T13:09:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/?p=58843"},"modified":"2022-02-17T10:59:02","modified_gmt":"2022-02-17T14:59:02","slug":"three-ego-states-in-transactional-analysis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/three-ego-states-in-transactional-analysis\/","title":{"rendered":"The Three Ego States in Transactional Analysis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What are the three ego states in transactional analysis<\/a>? What is the function of each state?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The three ego states, according to Eric Berne’s theory of personality, are the parent, the adult, and the child. None of the ego states are “bad,” per se, but they each have their own function in social situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continue below to learn about Berne’s ego states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The “Three Ego States” Model of Personality<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s look at Berne\u2019s theory of personality. He proposes that three ego states in transactional analysis or distinct states of mind, compose the whole human personality. Consider how you might speak down to a friend who does something dumb. Here, Berne would say, you\u2019re speaking from your \u201cparent\u201d state. The other two states are the adult and the child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Defining Ego States<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s define these in more detail. Berne observes that people display different behaviors depending on the state of mind they\u2019re in. That state of mind corresponds to a particular set of behaviors. For example, productivity habits correspond to the \u201cadult\u201d state of mind (that\u2019s where rational behavior comes from, in Berne\u2019s model). This pairing of mental state and behavioral repertoire is what Berne calls an \u201cego state.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In our explanation below, we\u2019ll use P<\/em> for \u201cparent,\u201d A<\/em> for \u201cadult,\u201d and C<\/em> for \u201cchild.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Shortform note: Berne proposed that each ego state corresponds to a network of neurons in the brain. This distinguishes him from Freud: Where Freud gave no proof for the Id, Ego, and Superego<\/a>, Berne references the work of Wilder Penfield, a respected neurosurgeon. Penfield found that stimulating small areas of the brain caused patients to vividly relive past experiences<\/a>, and he inferred that the brain records memory like a tape recorder. Berne took this model of memory and suggested that those \u201crecordings\u201d exist in three clusters\u2014his \u201cego states.\u201d So when inhabiting an ego state, you express its recordings of emotion and behavior. Penfield\u2019s research doesn\u2019t directly prove Berne\u2019s theory, but it adds more credibility than Freud mustered.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each ego state is an internally coherent system<\/strong>: When you\u2019re in mind state A, you\u2019ll only perform behaviors from set A, Berne would say. When you\u2019re in mind state P, you\u2019ll act from set P of your behavioral habits, and so on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, if you\u2019re operating from the child state, you\u2019ll likely joke around and engage in antics (the child\u2019s forte is spontaneous emotion). In contrast, you\u2019ll act more judgmentally when operating from the parent state (morals and values characterize the parent state.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each ego state remains relatively segregated from the other two<\/strong>. So if you\u2019re in mind state C, it\u2019s unlikely that you\u2019ll act from behavioral set A. In Berne\u2019s model, the adult, parent, and child don\u2019t overlap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take the previous example again\u2014when you\u2019re in a playful mood, you probably won\u2019t erupt in sudden anger. When angry, chances are you won\u2019t want to sing or dance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each ego state contributes unique strengths to a healthy personality<\/strong>. Berne argues that each of the three states serves its own functions, and together they compose a complete personality. For example, the adult handles rational decisions, while the child provides spontaneity and excitement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s look more closely at where each state comes from and what they contribute to the personality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shortform Commentary: From Freud to Berne to Fodor<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Berne\u2019s ego states seem to parallel Freud\u2019s tripartite model of the psyche<\/a>. Freud held that the psyche (or personality) is composed of the Id (unconscious, animalistic urges), the Ego (the conscious mind<\/a>), and the Superego (morality according to parental influences). Berne\u2019s model is similar yet distinct, dividing the mind into three parts with discrete functions. In each section below, we\u2019ll trace the parallels with Freud\u2019s model, and note the differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early psychologists\u2019 idea to break down the mind into component parts also seems to precede the modular theory of the mind, first proposed by Jerry Fodor in 1983<\/a>. The modular theory holds that the mind is made up of various \u201cmental modules,\u201d and they operate separately from each other<\/a> (they call this encapsulation<\/em>,) a phenomenon that Berne intuited with his notion of ego state segregation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the modular theory goes further: There are numerous proposed modules, with functions ranging from language processing<\/a> (Wernicke\u2019s area and Broca\u2019s area) to visual processing. In addition, Fodor didn\u2019t believe that modules were responsible for higher-level cognitive processes, like rational thought\u2014which Berne attributes to the adult ego state. It\u2019s also unclear whether beliefs affect mental modules \u00e0 la Fodor. Take the Muller-Lyer illusion<\/a>, below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Even if you know that the lines are the same length, they still appear to be different. Based on this, theorists argue that beliefs do not affect mental modules. This differs from T.A., wherein a key stance is that beliefs underpin behaviors, thus are part of ego states. It\u2019s possible that ego states are higher-level neural structures<\/a>, while modules are lower level structures. The conscious \u201cself\u201d or personality could then emerge from lower-level neural functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Adult <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Origin: <\/strong>Each of us, Berne asserts, has a fully formed adult ego state within us\u2014even when we\u2019re still children. He observes that anyone, including children and the mentally ill, can act objectively under the right circumstances (though he doesn\u2019t say what those are.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Functions: <\/strong>The adult is your rational self. It activates when you need to act objectively. It generally corresponds to healthy, intellect-based adult functioning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, the adult comes online when you need to do your taxes. Researching your deductions, calculating quarterly amounts to set aside, and budgeting monthly expenses are rational, objective operations. In Berne\u2019s model, your adult does this work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Berne, the key to a healthy personality is to bring the adult into steady control<\/strong>. As the source of reason, it can moderate the impulsive child and the often overbearing parent<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Shortform note: Berne\u2019s \u201cadult\u201d seems to parallel Freud\u2019s Ego. Just as the Ego mediates between the Id and the Superego, the adult keeps the parent and child in line. Both also handle rational functions, like a cost-benefit analysis for an important business decision. Yet they differ in that Freud believed that \u201cThe Ego is not sharply separated from the Id; its lower portion merges into it…\u201d<\/a>\u2014in other words, the Ego and the Id mix together. They interact like this: The Ego\u2019s job is to fulfill the Id\u2019s instinctual desires, like needs for food and sex, in a socially appropriate way. In contrast, Berne argues that the ego states are<\/em> sharply segregated from one another\u2014the child might grab control from the adult, but they remain distinct entities.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Parent <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Origin: <\/strong>As we grow up, we\u2019re shaped by our cultures. Your parents, peers, and society pass down to you myriad ways of thinking, feeling, and acting\u2014table manners, social etiquette, and so on. You inherit views on what\u2019s good and bad, what you should and shouldn\u2019t do; you learn a worldview and how to act in accord with it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is where your parent ego state comes from: the influences of culture, tradition, and your own family elders<\/strong>. You internalize them, and they become a part of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Functions: <\/strong>When you act from your inner parent, you behave as your parents would\u2019ve. This part of your personality, Berne holds, knows how to raise a family. It also handles the routine aspects of life\u2014like how you eat, how you spend free time, and how you work. You inherit all of these, and they\u2019re habitual (read: automatic) by the time you\u2019ve grown up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Imagine that you\u2019ve just adopted a puppy, and she pees on your shoes. Whether you scold her, comfort her, or try to discipline her, your habitual response comes from your parent state\u2014from how your own parents would\u2019ve acted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, how you start your day, handle chores, and manage meals comes largely from your parents. So we\u2019d say, \u201cyou\u2019re acting from your parent\u201d in those areas of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Shortform note: Since Berne\u2019s time, researchers have identified the phenomenon of automaticity<\/a>\u2014unconscious enacting of various habits. Berne seems to have anticipated this with his idea that the parent automates life routines. It\u2019s true that children model heavily on their parents and other influences<\/a>. All those inherited habits then become automatic through long repetition. Think\u2014did you consciously develop your mannerisms, your way of carrying yourself\u2014or did they just happen<\/em>? It may be that we\u2019re less aware of our default emotional habits than we\u2019d like to think. After all, automaticity makes behaviors unconscious\u2014so aspects of our personalities that we take for granted, like a passive attitude toward conflict, may actually be habits formed in early childhood.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Child <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Origin: <\/strong>Each of us, Berne states, retains traits that we developed in childhood. These traits develop out of significant early experiences, like a best friendship or being bullied in school. Through such experiences, we form deep emotional impressions about how the world works. For example, we learn how to relate to authority or where we stand on the social ladder, and those early adaptations shape who we become.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Berne doesn\u2019t mention any specific traits\u2014they seem to vary depending on your unique experiences. For example, if you spent early childhood adventuring in the woods with your best friend, you\u2019d probably develop a strong sense of independence<\/a> and the ability to find your own path<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Functions:<\/strong> Berne states that the child is the source of your intuition and creativity. It can be impulsive, expressing spontaneous positive or negative emotion. He doesn\u2019t go into more detail than this, except to say that it\u2019s the most valuable part of the personality<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, when your favorite song gets you singing or dancing, or when you\u2019re laughing<\/a> at a joke only you get, that\u2019s your child expressing itself. In contrast, your child may also lash out in fear when threatened. The child\u2019s key trait is spontaneity, <\/em>regardless of the emotion expressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Child and the Id<\/strong>

Here again, Berne loosely follows Freud\u2019s footsteps. Like Freud\u2019s Id, the child is a source of unconscious drives, giving rise to all sorts of emotionally impulsive behaviors. And a child out of control can cause unconstructive behavior, just like the urge-driven Id.

However, they differ in that Berne takes a much more positive view of this largely unconscious, emotional aspect of the psyche. He sees the child as deeply valuable, giving us our creativity and love of life, whereas the Id is more like a blind, instinctual animal. In the elephant and rider metaphor<\/a>, the Id is the elephant: A feeling-driven animal that seeks pleasure and avoids pain. But Berne\u2019s child doesn\u2019t fit that model\u2014it\u2019s more about emotional expression<\/em>, like spontaneous joy or anger, than animal needs. 

(Related, our guide to Switch<\/em> discusses strategies to leverage your emotional side<\/a>\u2014like envisioning tangible destinations and celebrating milestones\u2014to reach success.)

Early Experiences Shape Our Later Lives<\/strong>

Recent research does support Berne\u2019s claim<\/a> that early experiences shape our adult personalities<\/a>. Birth order, early emotional wounds, and poor adaptation to negative role models<\/a> all carry over into our adult lives. Unless we address these, we can continue to operate from a damaged childhood mindset in our adult lives; much of Berne\u2019s work was to find these dysfunctional adaptations and change them.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What are the three ego states in transactional analysis? What is the function of each state? The three ego states, according to Eric Berne’s theory of personality, are the parent, the adult, and the child. None of the ego states are “bad,” per se, but they each have their own function in social situations. Continue below to learn about Berne’s ego states.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":58950,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,12],"tags":[568],"class_list":["post-58843","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-psychology","category-relationships","tag-games-people-play","","tg-column-two"],"yoast_head":"\nThe Three Ego States in Transactional Analysis - Shortform Books<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The three ego states in transactional analysis are the parent, the adult, and the child. 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