The Evidence-Based Conceptual Model of Transactional Analysis: A Focused Review of the Research Literature

Abstract

This article presents a focused review of the research literature in transactional analysis (TA). TA was developed in the 1950s as a theory of human personality and social behavior and as a comprehensive form of psychotherapy, but there has not been any systematic research to test the empirical evidence for the efficacy of TA theory and practice. The aim of this study was to develop the conceptual model of transactional analysis on the basis of a systematic review of the actual, self-reported practice of international TA psychotherapists and on the evidence found in research. The article systematically reviews common conceptual components of TA and their empirical evidence by examining the common denominator and the empirical evidence for the central clinical phenomenon, etiology, therapeutic mechanisms, therapeutic competencies, outcomes, and synthesis. TA focuses on problems in ego states (operationalized as Parent, Adult, and Child) with distinctive behavioral functions of Controlling Parent, Nurturing Parent, Adult, Adapted Child, and Free Child. Individuals can develop long-term problems in their ego states, social functioning, and self-efficacy as the result of unfavorable messages from their social context (negative parental messages in early life, lack of developing mature coping mechanisms, intergenerational messages, negative stroke balance), script decisions (accepting or rejecting unfavorable messages via behavior, emotional disconnection, or cognitive styles), life events, and genetics/temperament. TA treatment intends to help clients by developing constructive ego states, improving social functioning, and stimulating a sense of self-efficacy. Research confirms that TA improves psychopathology, behavior, and general well-being thanks to improvement in ego states, self-efficacy, and social functioning. These effects are achieved by four evidence-based therapist competencies: creating a positive client-practitioner relationship, working with experiences in the present, etiological analysis (life scripts, injunctions, counterinjunctions), and therapeutic structure (treatment contracts, treatment stages, psychoeducation/didactics). Meta-analysis of 75 studies shows that TA has moderate to large positive effects on psychopathology, self-efficacy, social functioning, and ego states. This conceptual model shows that TA can be considered a bona fide and evidence-based treatment for a wide range of clients.

Keywords:

• Transactional analysis
• psychology
• research
• evidence based
• effectiveness
• model
• psychotherapy development
• theory
• Berne
• psychotherapy

Disclosure statement

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Joel Vos

Joel Vos, PhD, MSc, MA CPsychol FHEA, is a psychologist and philosopher. He works as senior researcher and lecturer at the Metanoia Institute in London. He is an existential therapist and chairs the IMEC International Meaning Events & Community. His research focuses dominantly on reviewing and developing humanistic and existential psychotherapies and examining the existential impact of societal developments. He has published over 130 articles and six books. Recent books include The Psychology of COVID-19 (Sage, 2020), The Economics of Meaning in Life (University Professors Press, 2020), Mental Health in Crisis (Sage, 2019), and Meaning in Life: An Evidence-Based Handbook for Practitioners (MacMillan, 2017). Dr. Vos can be reached at Metanoia Institute, Faculty of Research and Doctoral Programmes, 13 North Common Road, Ealing Common, London, W5 2QB, United Kingdom; email: [email protected]

Biljana van Rijn

Biljana van Rijn is a Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst (psychotherapy), a UKCP-registered psychotherapist, and an HCPC-registered counseling psychologist. She works as a faculty head of research and doctoral programs at Metanoia Institute in London. As well as teaching TA psychotherapy for many years, Biljana has developed a research clinic at Metanoia Institute and engaged in a number of projects with research partners from other universities and organizations within the United Kingdom and abroad. She has published research papers as well as chapters and books on reflective practice, clinical assessment, and formulation. Biljana is the recipient of the 2019 ITAA Research Award for her contributions to research in transactional analysis. Her latest publications include “Searching for Safety: Building Meaning Bridges Using Digital Imagery in School Counselling With a Female Adolescent, ‘Sally’” (Counseling Psychotherapy Research, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12309). The most recent book she coedited is Working with Sexual Attraction in Psychotherapy Practice and Supervision (Routledge, 2020). Dr. van Rijn can be reached at Metanoia Institute, Faculty of Research and Doctoral Programmes, 13 North Common Road, Ealing Common, London, W5 2QB, United Kingdom; email: [email protected].