Understanding Transactional Analysis for the CA MFT Exam

Transactional Analysis (TA) is a therapeutic approach that integrates various psychological theories and techniques, focusing on interpersonal transactions between individuals. It was developed by Eric Berne in the 1950s, combining elements of psychoanalytic, humanist, and cognitive approaches. The correct answer provides a concise overview of TA and its key characteristics.

Transactional Analysis focuses on analyzing and understanding the transactions (interactions) between individuals and the dynamics within those interactions.

Transactional Analysis (TA) proposes that our personality is comprised of three ego states - Parent, Adult, and Child, based on the Neo-Freudian theory of personality. The incorrect answers provided are related to different psychological theories and concepts and do not align with the specific ego states proposed by TA.

Transactional Analysis is based on the premise that individuals can change by addressing and freeing themselves from historical maladaptions embedded in their childhood script, allowing for authentic emotions and the right to be accepted in the world.

Transactions can involve various aspects such as communication, financial exchanges, or conducting business operations. In this context, transactions refer to the flow of communication and unspoken psychological cues that occur simultaneously.

The correct types of transactions are reciprocal/complementary, crossed, and duplex/covert. Incorrect answers do not accurately reflect the types of transactions.

In transactional analysis, the 'parent ego state' refers to the unconscious mimicking of parents' behaviors and attitudes. This concept highlights the idea that individuals may replicate the beliefs and behaviors of their parents, influencing their own behaviors and decision-making processes.

The 'Adult ego state' in transactional analysis refers to the rational, objective part of a person that processes information similar to a computer. It involves making logical assessments of reality without being influenced by emotions or past experiences.

The Child ego state is associated with behaviors, feelings, and thoughts that resemble how a person behaved during childhood, demonstrating immaturity and the presence of the Archaepsyche.

TA games refer to Common counterproductive social interactions in a social setting where individuals may engage in behaviors that hinder positive outcomes or relationships.

The question is asking for the 3 types of TA games as categorised based on their potential impact. The correct answer mentions the three degrees of TA games with increasing levels of potential harm. The incorrect answers provided do not align with the established categorization and are hence incorrect choices.

In interpersonal communication, 'strokes' refers to the recognition, attention, or responsiveness that one person gives to another, which can be positive (warm fuzzies) or negative (cold prickles).

Recognition can be sought in various ways, but isolation, neglect, and monotony are not considered typical methods people use to seek recognition.

A life (or childhood) script is more than just a set of goals or a predetermined sequence of events. It involves decision-making, reinforcement by parents or mentors, and filters our perceptions of reality.

The correct answer includes Tragic, Heroic, and Banal as varieties of life or childhood script. Comedic, Fantastical, and Mundane are not part of the original list of options.

Injunctions are specific messages that create beliefs or value systems in children causing them to act or not act in certain ways.

Discounting refers to undervaluing or underestimating the worth of something.

Discounting refers to the different psychological responses when faced with a situation that challenges one's sense of self.

Redefining refers to distorting reality to align with our preferred view, not creating new definitions, adjusting perspectives, or ignoring facts.

A life position refers to a general, unconscious feeling about life that impacts our interactions with others. It involves the difference between our own sense of OK-ness and that of others, with the ideal being the 'I'm OK, You're OK' mindset.

An ulterior transaction involves mixed messages, where a disguised message is sent and 2 or more ego states are involved, unlike straightforward transactions with clear communication, emotional transactions with no hidden meanings, or transactions involving only one ego state.

Parent contamination refers to the transmission of beliefs from parents to their children, often without critical examination. It can perpetuate harmful ideas such as racism, making it important to question and challenge inherited beliefs.

Double contamination (parent and child) refers to the process of unknowingly internalizing beliefs and assumptions passed down from parents and childhood experiences as facts or realities.

Dominating, Ignoring, and Talking Loudly are not effective modes of communication behaviors, unlike Structuring, Supporting, Co-Creating, and Playful which promote healthy interactions.

The correct answers depict behaviors that hinder effective communication, while the incorrect answers describe communication styles that may actually promote better communication outcomes.

Structuring Mode involves setting boundaries, offering constructive criticism, and being caring yet firm in communication, creating an effective mode of interaction.

Supporting Mode is best represented by being affirming, considerate, and effective in communication styles, making the use of terms like Negative Mode, Passive Mode, and Disruptive Mode incorrect.