Transactional analysis (TA) is a method of understanding behavior in interpersonal dynamics. In fact, there is an International Transactional Analysis Association (itaaworld.org) that publishes the Transactional Analysis Journal.

We all have three major ego states that affect our behavior or the way we transact through communication. Parent: the critical parent is evaluative while the sympathetic parent is supportive. Child: the natural child is curious while the adapted child is rebellious. Adult: the adult is a thinking, unemotional state of ego.

We change ego states throughout the day; even during a single discussion, a series of transactions can take place between different ego states. Generally, the most effective behavior, human relations, and performance come from the adult ego state. When interacting with others, you should be aware of their ego state because it will help you understand why they are behaving the way they are and help you determine which ego state you should use during the interaction.

Within ego states there are three different types of transactions: complementary, crossed, and ulterior. Complementary: the sender of the message gets the intended response from the receiver. Crossed: the sender does not get the expected response. Ulterior: the person appears to be in one ego state, but his or her behavior comes from a different ego state.

Attitudes affect your behavior and human relations. Within the TA analysis framework, you have attitudes toward yourself and toward others. Positive attitudes are described as “OK,” and negative attitudes are described as “not OK.” With a positive attitude toward yourself and others, you have a greater chance for having adult-to-adult ego state communication. You can change your attitudes, and you should if they are not positive.