One Possible Framework

Eric Bernes Transactional Analysis gives us a basis upon which we can build our understanding of: personality, personality development, social interactions, behaviour

 According to Berne our innerpsychology is based on three ego states

 These Ego states do not exist when we are born We are a blank sheet

But we are programmed to develop them and we do this by taking on-board the Ego states of both our parents,
We accept and absorb messages from our parents that are both positive and negative and include thoughts feelings, behaviours, opinions and attitudes.

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Most frequently used ego state: made up of attitudes, behaviours, thoughts, feelings and experiences that resemble those of parental figures.

These can be replaced, especially values and attitudes which can be adopted from significant others.

 The Critical Parent; sets standards, values and defines morals and moral boundaries. We apply personal rules here, often arbitrary and rigid but will commonly be restrictive or prohibitive. Uses authority, is responsible, makes value judgements and exercises control, particularly of others. The Nurturing Parent; we relate to others in an understanding way. Manifests as sympathy, empathy and care for another individual or oneself. Here we exhibit caring, loving nurturing and helping. This is the Ego state that also enables us to develop meaningful relationships. Therefore the Parental Ego state with its two sub divisions can be seen as over controlling and inhibitive, or supportive and growth-enhancing. The Parent can also influence the Child and Adult Ego states, as one of the functions of the Parental Ego state is to conserve

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As an adult we use information to evaluate other information and situations in order to arrive at a rational decision

The Adult is logical, and uninfluenced by subjective opinion or emotions. The Adult with therefore automatically and objectively appraise reality and make judgements.

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The child is- spontaneous, through it we experience joy, anger, sadness, fear and frustration, as well as physical states such as hunger and discomfort.

The child is about self-gratification, and remains with us into adulthood. The Child Ego state is a set of feelings, thoughts, attitudes and behaviour patterns which are archaic relics of the individuals childhood.

The child is sub-divided

The Adapted Child manifested by feelings and behaviours - under parental influence, such as sulking, compliance, withdrawl and inhibition. Comes from parental messages; I should, it is involved in self control, compliance and politeness. The Free Child manifested by spontaneous expressions; self-indulgence, creativity and rebelliousness. The Free Child can be identified when we act in an uninfluenced manner without thought of holding back and without any consideration being given to the potential consequences, or outcomes, of our actions.

Life Scripts
During the early years or our development we also develop what is termed as our life script. Im okay, youre okay Im okay, youre not okay Im not okay, youre okay Im not okay, youre not okay