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Abstract
The author reflects on the concept of physis, which was described by Eric Berne as a form of energy inherent in human beings. Mental health and happiness are interpreted not only as the outcome of good intrapsychic and relational functioning—which derive, according to Berne, from adequate strokes, awareness, OKness, and intimacy—but from the fulfillment, over a lifetime, of the innate universal drives typical of our species. These include survival, belonging, knowledge, and self-fulfillment. The author distinguishes vital energy, described by anthropologists as a cluster of genetic drives inherent in the human race, from the conditions necessary for their fulfillment, which includes the needs for recognition, structure, and stimuli (referred to in transactional analysis as psychological hungers).
Disclosure Statement
The author declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Funding
The author received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Giorgio Piccinino
Giorgio Piccinino is a Certified Transactional Analyst (psychotherapy), sociologist, psychologist, psychotherapist, and partner in Centro E. Berne, Milan. He has published various articles in the Italian TA journals and many books, the latest of which is Nati per amare: Deterioramento e riattivazione della pulsione affettiva [Born to Love: Deterioration and Reactivation of the Affective Drive] (2016, Milan: Mimesis). Giorgio is a member of the ITAA, AIAT, and EATA. He can be reached at Via Tortona 10, 20144 Milan, Italy; email: [email protected].