Book Review of Games People Play: The Basic Handbook of Transactional Analysis by Dr. Eric Berne

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The book Games People Play: The Basic Handbook of Transactional Analysis by Dr. Eric Berne, is one introducing the fundamental concepts of transactional analysis (TA). Transactional analysis a theoretical approach that focuses on the ways in which individuals interact with one another. Berne describes interactional patterns among individuals as “social intercourse” which thrives off of basic human principles.
Berne discusses the role of social intercourse as a primitive form of behavior. As infants, humans learn to beckon the attention of others by engaging in attention engaging behaviors (i.e., crying). Once we have gained the attention of others, more often than not our basic human needs are satisfied and the cycle repeats when necessary. Biologically speaking, this type of distress response served an evolutionary purpose; the needs of a growing infant are met, thus ensuring the infant’s healthy development. Having a healthy infant usually translates into having a healthy adult which will in turn procreate and preserve the existence of the species.
Similarly, adults have the same drive to gather attention from others. While adults may not cry (though this may be one form of behavior they engage in order to gain attention from others), they produce other mannerisms that will yield them the desired attention. When an adult (or infant) seeks attention he or she is expecting a stroke. A stroke is an act that encourages its recognition from another individual (Berne, 1964). When a response from another individual occurs the exchanges of strokes between two individuals is considered a transaction (Berne, 1964). The meaning and effectiveness of transactions are all determined by out of which ego states (discussed below...

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...uggling to have meaningful social interaction and intimate relationships. I would also recommend that future and practicing counselor give this book a quick read for it provides a succinct and simple manner in which to explain the way humans interact with each other. In all, I feel that Eric Berne’s Games People Play is a great read for any individual who would like to become cognizant of the ways in which they impact their social relationships.

Works Cited

Berne, E. (1964). Games people play: The basic handbook of transactional analysis. New York, New York: Ballantine Books.
Clarkson, P. (2005). Transactional analysis psychotherapy: An integrated approach. (5th ed., p. 204). New York, New York: Routledge.
Lapworth, P., & Sills, C. (2011). An introduction to transactional analysis: Helping people change. (2nd ed., pp. 25-38). London, England: Winslow Press.

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