Training Methodology for KVK Scientists - ICAR, Zonal Project ...

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V. Venkatasubramanian, Sajeev, M.V. & A.K. Singha.
5.20.20 Transactional Analysis
Transactional Analysis (TA) was developed by Eric Berne in 1950s by watching people’s
interaction with each other. Transactional Analysis method used popular terminology taken from
everyday language to explain human personality and behaviour.
According to Transactional Analysis theory, there are three persons within all people. These
are Parent, Adult and Child. These are technically known as ego-states. An ego state denotes the
habitual way of thinking, feeling and reacting. The ego states are classified as Parent, Adult and
Child.
5.20.20.1 The Parent Ego State
The parent ego state is developed by all the people in early childhood upto the age of six
years. When you feel, think or act as you saw parental figures act when you were little, you are in your
parent ego state. Parent ego state reflects the life as it is taught. Functionally, it sets limits, gives
advice, discipline, protects and nurtures, teaches how to do etc. The parent ego is further classified
into critical parent and nurture parent. The critical parent is that part of us which sets limits and
makes judgment about ourselves and others. The nurturing parent is the other part of the parent ego
state. It gives guidance, supports, protects, nurtures and teaches how to do.
P
A
…………………………Parent
………………………….. Adult
C ………………………..….Child
5.20.20.2 The Adult Ego State
The adult ego state behaviour is rational, problem-solving and decision-making. Functionally,
it gathers the data from the parent adult and child. Eg. how the child feels and what he wants; what
the parent says, feels and how he reacts; what the adults has to say based on the past decisions;
and what one external situation is. After gathering the data it analyses and evaluates it, generates
alternatives and takes a decision. It is the alert and analytical part of the personality. The adult ego
state reflects life as it is thought.
The basic vocabulary of the Adult consists of why, what, where, when and how.
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Concepts, Approaches and Methodologies for Technology Application and Transfer