TABLE OF CONTENT

NO. TITLE PAGE

1 PART 1 : EGO STATES AND TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS 2
2 Ego States Theory 3

3 Transactional Analysis Theory 4

4 Characteristics of Three Ego States 5

5 Complementary Transaction 11

6 Ulterior Transaction 16

PART 2 : JENGA – ANALYSIS OF EGO STATES THROUGH

7 18
COMMUNICATION

8 Introduction to Jenga 19

9 Why Jenga ? 21

10 Relation of Jenga and Communication 21

11 Interpretation of Scenes 23
12 PART 3 : INTERVIEW – SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS 30
13 Subject B 31

14 Subject A 37

15 PART 4 : COMPARISON OF THE SUBJECTS 43

16 Comparison of Ego States of Both Subjects 44

17 PERSONALITY DETAILS 46
18 REFERENCES 49

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 PART 1 :

EGO STATES AND

TRANSACTIONAL

ANALYSIS

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SECTION A
EGO STATE THEORY
Ego states have been defined by Eric Berne, a pioneer transactional analyst, as a consistent
pattern of thinking, feeling and behaviour. There are three ego states, which are Parent, Adult
and Child ego states, often known collectively as the PAC Model. Each of the ego state is
comprised of its own system of thoughts, feelings and behaviours from which an individual is
expected to think and interact, eventually forming the fundamental part of the human
personality. It is explained that people usually interact with each other in terms of these three
ego states, which are the psychological and behavioural patterns of the individual. Ego states
are phenomenological realities. Each ego state is concerned with things that have happened in
the past for an individual, and how the individual has reacted towards it. This will go on to
decide and influence how the very same individual will act in the present and future.
similarly, the decisions made by an individual in the past will influence and determine their
decision-making process in the present and future.

Berne’s tripartite model is an explanation of three main events that happens to each and every
individual, which are childhood, the development of rational, logical thinking and exposure
to parental or significant other’s influence. It is essential to note that the three ego states are
not classified based on an individual’s age, however. Rather, the ego states are classified
based upon the behaviour of the individual. Therefore, an individual may have any of the
three ego states towards a situation without any regards to his/her age group.

There are two basic models of ego states, which are structural and functional model. The
structural model refers to the building blocks/content of the ego states. The second model of
the ego state is the functional model. This refers to a description and process of the ego states
and its respective ways of behaving.

The transactional analysis theory is the basis of the interaction between the three ego states.
Transactional analysis theory involves the knowledge and understanding of the ego states,
eventually providing sufficient information over which state needs to be activated.

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TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS THEORY
Transactional analysis is a social psychology theory developed by psychiatrist Eric Berne
MD (d.1970), which is a form of modern psychology that examines a person's relationships
and interactions. ("Transactional Analysis", 2018) In order to develop transactional analysis,
Berne took inspiration from Sigmund Freud's theories of personality, combining them with
his own observations of human interaction. Berne introduced his theory of Transactional
Analysis to the world in his book Games People Play which uncovered the dynamics of
human relationships. ("Games People Play | Eric Berne | Creator of Transactional Analysis",
2018)

Transactional analysis has its own particular language and theories. (Cooke, 2018)
Transactional analysis has several different ways to define its theory. The personality theory
for transactional analysis according to Berne is based on the recognition of three different ego
states which are identified as the Parent ego state, Adult ego state and Child ego state. These
three states play a major role in the way people communicate, develop relationships, and
interact with other people in our lives.

The theory of human development for transactional analysis shows the study of how people
adopt certain behaviours either accidentally or from their caretakers or surrounding people,
and then continue to practice or use them out in their adult lives. In simple explanations, it is
known as how the “life scripts” people learnt in childhood continue to impact their lives as
they grow up. ("Transactional analysis | Definition", 2018)

The theory of communication for transactional analysis shows how and why people interact
with each other in the way they do, and how to improve problematic communication. It also
shows how, as adults people tend to resort to those old childhood patterns and strategies even
when the ways and strategies does not work anymore and cause problems in their lives.
("Transactional analysis | Definition", 2018) Moreover, transactional analysis theory also
explains how psychopathology develops, as well as how disorders are diagnosed and treated
and also help people to understand repetitive patterns of behaviours.

Transactional analysis is used as a therapeutic tool for positive change and growth in person.
It can be used either in therapy for the individual concerned or on a more surface level for
problem solving in everyday life. (Cooke, 2018) It is because a person can change their lives
and choose the way they want to live their own life plan, without hanging on to inappropriate
behaviours from their past if they have an understanding of transactional analysis theory.

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SECTION B
CHARACTERISTICS OF THREE EGO STATES
(a) Parent Ego State (Extrapsyche)
The parent ego, also known as extrapsyche, is defined as a set of feelings which includes
thinking and behaviour which is believed that we copied or adapted from our parents or
family members. The parent ego state are the results of our parents’ nurturing, absorbed
conditioning, learning and attitudes when were young. We were nurtured and conditioned by
our parents, teachers, older people, next door neighbours, aunts and uncles.
Sometimes we may realize that we speak and say things just like our parents or grandparents
or even do things exactly like them. This phenomenon is known as introjecting. It is believed
that we automatically do things that were said to us or treat a person exactly how we have
been treated before because we lived with the particular person that long.

There are two forms of Parent we can play as follows:

i. The Nurturing Parent
The nurturing parent always appears as a mother figure or father figure. They are usually
caring and they tend offer the child with unconditional love, calm the child when in trouble
and keep the Child safe.

ii. The Controlling (or Critical) Parent

The controlling parent, on the other hand, try to make the child do what they want or are
trying to help the child understand and live in a society. They may also try to instil values or
beliefs. They may also have negative intent, using the Child as a whipping-boy, scapegoat or
worse. The controlling parent is also sometimes called the Prejudiced Parent.

Parent Ego State can be inferred from

(i) The Physical state such as angry or impatient body language and expressions,
finger-pointing, patronising gestures
The Verbal cues such as always, never, for once and for all, judgmental words, critical words,
patronising language and posturing language.

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 (b) Child Ego State (Archaeopsyche)
It is known as the archaeopsyche, is a set of feeling, attitudes, and behaviour patterns that
relies of the person’s childhood where it concerned with all the impulses that come naturally
to an infant and preserved from the childhood. The Child Ego State is primarily about the
function and impulses, desires, needs of a child to find pleasure and to be happy. The child
ego state carries the memory of their childhood incidents and experiences. In such way, if the
person feels and acts as they were during their young ages, they seemed to experience their
child ego state.

The child ego state comprises of three categories:

i. The Natural (Free) Child
The natural child is the ones spontaneous, energetic, intuitive, curious, creative, pleasure
seeking, loving and uninhibited. The natural child will be freely and open with others. It is
just like the new born baby that responds with love and affection when its needs are met, and
angry rebellion when they aren't. As the natural child, they always represent a playful and
spontaneous part of human character, where the person may be 5 or 50 years old but
throughout life they may still be playful.

ii. Little Professor

The little professor is the 'thinking' part of the child where they are creative, intuitive and
manipulative. This child type is always curious and exploring Child. They dream up new
ideas, imagine new stuffs or ideas, and intuitively try to overcome problems. The term free
child includes the character of little professor as well as the natural child.

iii. The Adapted Child

The adapted child is compliant and conforms to wishes and demands of others, particularly
parents and always tries to please everyone. On the other word, this child either changing
themselves to fit in and so being very well, or rebelling against the forces they feel. This child
has some negativity in themselves, some resistance, some reactions and some hostility. They
are complying, type of people that avoids situations and sulking. A disobedient child, a
rebellious teenager with personality disorder can be said to be in this category. Besides, the
child in this category will turn their back on people with problems as well as pull off work
until a deadline passes.

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The Nurturing Parent naturally talks to the Natural Child and the Controlling Parent to the
Adaptive Child. So, this part of our personality is evoked by the opposite. Thus, if someone
acts as an Adaptive Child, the person will most likely evoke the Controlling Parent in the
other person. On the other hand, if someone acts as the free child (Natural Child & Little
Professor) the person will be most probably evoking the Nurturing Parent. Figure 1 shows
this situation below.

Figure 1

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(c) Adult Ego State (Neopsyche)
The Adult ego is known as neopsyche which the state is about giving direct responses to the
here and now in other words, being spontaneous. It is also about being aware with the
capacity for intimacy. During adulthood, they tend to be braver, not afraid of asking for any
information, nor making assumptions. Also, during adulthood, we tend to see people as they
are. The adult tends to extract the best from the past and use it accordingly in the present.

This phenomenon can be called as the integrating adult state, where this state is in between
the parents and child ego states just simply to show how it needs regulate between the parent
and child’s states, in a positive manner. Furthermore, this state means that the adult can
constantly update themselves through daily experiences. Adult ego state enables a person to
think on their own and react on their own account. They can determine their action by
themselves. If this particular ego state is able to intervene between the parent and child ego
state, then it is known as effective integrating adult ego state. An effective integrating adult
ego state has the ability to stop any negative dialogue from the parent’s ego state and has the
tendency to develop another positive one, probably taken from other people they may have
known over time.

Adult Ego State can be inferred from

(i) The Physical state such as attentive, interested, straight-forward, tilted head, non-
threatening and non-threatened and
(ii) The Verbal cues such as why, what, how, who, where and when, how much, in
what way, comparative expressions, reasoned statements, true, false, probably,
possibly, I think, I realise, I see, I believe, in my opinion.

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 Table 1: Comparison between the Three Ego States
Types of Ego PARENT ADULT CHILDREN
State

Nurturing
Controlling Parent Adult Natural Child Adapted Child Ethic Professor
Elements Parent
to
differentiate
Also known as Extrapsyche Extrapsyche Neopsyche Archaeopsyche Archaeopsyche Archaeopsyche
Words that they Good, nice, well Bad, should, ought, Why, how, yes, Fun, mine, want Cannot, wish, please, I’ve got an idea
often use done do not no thank you
Words to Kind, helpful, Autocratic, forceful Alert, efficient, Adventurous, Arguing, anxious, Energetic, curious,
describe them as tolerant, person, dominant, reasonable, Humorous, complaining, moody excitable and
a person forgiving person intolerant, stern, and logical, imaginative, pleasure and defensive enthusiastic
and demanding. organized and seeking and natural.
understandable. rational.
Gesture or Open arms Pointing fingers, Straight Energetic and loose Slumped and Battling eyelashes
posture pounding table, posture, level limbed dejected
shaking head eye contact
Tone of Voices Loving, Condescending and Calm, clear and Loud and free Whining, sulking and Teasing
affectionate and sneering. confident defiant
encouraging

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 Facial Smiling Disapproving and Alert and Joyful and twinkling Fearing and pouting. Wide eyed innocent
Expression hostile. thoughtful. eyes.
Behaviour Encourage, Very negative and Approach life Emotional, creative Often over-reacts They are creative,
permitting judge others, rationally which and enjoy being from fear of being intuitive and
comforting criticizing and leads to making alive, self-orientation judged, punished, manipulative. Often
others regulating of the best and optimistic humiliated, focusing has new ideas and
characteristics choices in life characteristics on restraining one's overcome problems
emotions and with easily.
social characteristics

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SECTION C
COMPLEMENTARY TRANSACTION
According to Dr. Berne, these transactions are healthy and represent normal human
interactions. As Berne mentioned in his book, Games People Play, communication will
proceed as long as transactions are complementary. Complementary transactions are effective
and successful communication and also when two people’s ego states are sympathetic or
complementary to one another. This means that what you (sender) and the response you
expect to receive from the receiver, are aligned.
Complementary transaction arises when the sender of the message gets the intended or the
expected response from the receiver. Complementary transaction is the one in which the
transactional vectors are parallel and the ego state addressed is the one which responds. For
instance, an employee makes a mistake and wanting some sympathy, and then apologizes to
the boss. This complementary transaction is further explained by the illustrations.
Another example of a complementary transaction is when a supervisor who wants a job done
and delegates it and expecting the employee to do it.
The supervisor behaves on an adult-to-adult level. Generally, complementary transactions
result in more efficient communication with lesser hurt feelings and dispute. In other words,
complementary transactions help relations between human and performance. The only
exceptions from this transaction are if an employee uses an adapted child or critical parent
ego state and the supervisor does, too. These complementary transactions might lead to
problems.

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 Figure 2 : Illustration on Complementary Transactional Analysis
Figure on the left : Adult Complementary Transaction
Figure on the right : P to C, C to P Complementary Transaction

From the figure on the left, the transaction is assumed to be all good. Person 1 is curious
about something and asked a question from the Adult ego state, hoping they will receive an
answer from Person 2’s Adult ego state. Person 2 responds from his or her Adult ego state.
The result was all good, two adults are working together to gain a mutual understanding on a
problem or making a decision.

The figure on the right can be exemplified by the transaction between a parent and a child.
For example, this can occur when one person is sick and wants to be taken care of by the
other person. Person 1 feels so down and low. Hence, their Child ego state is activated
because they want to be taken care of and Person 1 expect that Person 2 to respond as a
parent. In another scenario, Person 2 understands Person 1’s request and is happy to oblige.
This activates Person 2’s Parent ego state and happily takes care of Person 1. The overall
result from this transaction is that there is a balance of giving and receiving and both parties
feel loved.

Complementary transaction can be easily identified when both parties feel good as the overall
result. Moreover, both parties feel seen and understood and the conversation from both
parties can go on forever where there is no emotional outbursts, hurt feelings, or conversation
stoppers. This means that from a complementary transaction, both parties can actually reason
about things, make decisions, and create a plan.

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CROSSED TRANSACTION
In a crossed transaction the ego state differs from the ego state which received the stimuli.
Therefore, it results with problem due to communication. .When the vectors are aligned
between adult to adult, vector cross and communication between adult ceases .Nevertheless,
the transaction between humans are not always healthy or normal. An example as follows,

Adult: “Do you know where my car key is”?

(Stimuli directed at the child are noted)

Child: “You always blame me for everything”

Figure 3 : Shows the crossed transaction

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Further examples

A: “Can you tell me what time is your class (Adult)

B: “Why are you always asking me this?”

(Adapted Child)

A: “Can you tell me by what time we should be reaching the celebration?” (Adult)

B: “Somehow you’re always late. Do you even care

about it ?” (Critical Parent)

A: 'Have you done with the assignment?' (Adult to Adult)

B: “Will you stop irritating me? I know what I’m doing

and I’ll finish it eventually!” (Child to Parent)

A: “Did you clean the room?” (Parent to Child)

B: “I have done it last night itself.” (Adult to

Adult)

A: “You broke the trust I had towards you!” (Parent to Child)

B: “Why can’t you just trust me?” (Child to Parent)

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In conclusion, a crossed transaction happens for many reasons such as misinterpretation,
misdirection and being judgemental towards people. Crossed transactions can increase anger
unless one person or both disengage the conversation back to complementary patterns. The
result of cross transaction would be a mixed of emotions such as disappointment, hurt,
frustration, and stress. The unexpected response causes the individual to be emotionally
affected which consequently changes to the adapted child ego state and eventually deteriorate
the communication

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ULTERIOR TRANSACTIONS

The ulterior transaction is the third type of transaction. This transaction involves in parallel of
two or more ego state. Verbal is generally one portion of the transaction while an unspoken
psychological transaction is another. In brief, ulterior transactions appear to be a
straightforward communication but also actually contain an unspoken hidden agenda. An
ulterior transaction can be said as manipulative and the risk of communication failure and
conflict tends to be high. For instance, an employee is told by the manager that “this is a
really an enthralling problem, but it might be too hard for you”. This message can be
conveyed by an employee’s adult ego as I don’t have the capability to manage with this
problem or as the employee’s child ego state as I will do it and show him.

An ulterior transaction is most likely leads to playing a game which can be often seen in a
personal relationship and require some discipline from the individuals concerned by avoiding
them. There is a hidden hook which drags individuals into a game if they are not conscious of
what is happening. For example, a husband and wife who have been together for many years
shall be considered. Sometimes the wife’s behaviour which is forgetful or misplaces things
can sometimes bother the husband. As the wife does not return the key to where it supposed
to be kept but placing it on the kitchen table after using the car previous night.

Husband Wife

P P

Figure 4 : Ulterior Transaction

A A

C C

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Husband : Wife, have you seen the car key? This question can be said as an innocent
question. The straight line from Adult-Adult represents a request for information. However,
the dotted line which indicates a Parent-Child transaction showed there is an underlying
message and can be formulated accordingly:

Husband : Last night you had the key and now they are missing! This way of commenting is
more inflammatory. Since that it is safe to assume it is an accusation which is made from a
controlling parent for being unreliable with the car key by the wife as we can know that there
is an issue between husband and wife.

Here states how the wife response depends on her mood, the willingness to play the game and
also of her awareness of what is happening around her:
 Parent ego : Yes, I told you where I kept when I got in last night but you didn’t
listen to me. They are where I kept last night.
 Adult ego : I left them on the kitchen table last night. (oh, you know what I am
like)
 Child ego : I didn’t do it on purpose. You know it right? Will you leave me
alone?

On other hands, the longer the game goes, a greater payoff for both people has happened. For
example, the wife can end up screaming at her husband to leave her alone and at the same
time feel useless as she misplaced the key. As a result, the husband might be wielding of his
perceived superiority over his wife which makes her walking out on him. Additionally, one of
the aims of this game is to receive attention also known as strokes. The individuals can
receive a positive stroke by doing no manipulation which is likely to resort to such behaviour.
The parenteral role suggests that I won’t play the game and I am aware of what you are trying
to do. The reason to play the game is to reinforce their opinions or perpetuate the script.

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 PART 2 :

JENGA - ANALYSIS

OF EGO STATES

THROUGH

COMMUNICATION

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SECTION D

Introduction on Jenga
Jenga is a physical skill or in these days used as more like a fun game among the children and
adults. Jenga named based on the Swahili word ‘kujenga’ meaning “to build”. This game was
invented by Leslie Scott, a British national who grew up in Ghana in East Africa in 1970s
where Leslie Scott played these game with her family using pieces from her five-year-old
brother’s set of wooden blocks. Jenga was currently marketed by Hasbro. Scott is also well
known because he is one of the few professional game designers in the world.
There are some rules on playing this game. The game
can consist of players up to 4 players. There were 48
blocks initially but then later on it was decided to have
54 and those blocks are wooden crafted in rectangular
shape where it is arranged three by three as shown in
the figure 1. The number 54 was chosen because her
favourite number one of her favourite numbers was 18
which 54 is a multiple of, which could have helped her
make the choice to add 6 more blocks. The
measurement of each wooden block is 1.5 cm × 2.5 cm
× 7.5 cm. Some of the main rule for playing Jenga is
that player should use only one hand to play the game.
Some of the tricks that players can be used:
Figure 5

i) The players can they try to tap a block to find a loose block. This will be easier for
them to identify which block they could easily take and without making the tower
falls.
ii) Any blocks moved but not played should be replaced, unless doing so would make
the tower fall.
iii) Players can touch other blocks to find out the loose one but if he/she move a
block out of place, they must fix it that block single handed
before touching another block.

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The steps for playing the game are listed in the diagram below:

First the set-up of the game should be done. The

loading tray should be included in creating in initial
tower. Stack all of the blocks in levels of three by three
placed next to each other along their long sides and at a
right angle to the previous level.

One player will start the game by removing any one

block from any level of the tower except the most top
and bottom blocks. He has to make sure the blocks will
still stay stable and should prevent the fall or collapse
of the tower

The next player will continue the same step and should prevent from
the tower to fall. The turn ends when the next player touches the
tower, or after ten seconds, whichever occurs first.

The tower will progressively become taller. This can

cause tower to easily fall as the it could be losing its
stability as the tower increase in height.

As the player continues to play, eventually it will be

falling at a point. This will be determining which player
has lost, so the person who made the tower fall is loser.

Diagram 1

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Why Jenga?
The game Jenga was also a part of the assignment. Apart from interview session with the
subjects, Jenga was included as an additional part of this assignment. The purpose for this
assignment is to also evaluate the ego state of both of the subjects. Jenga is game that
required skills, interaction with other players, provide the feeling of eagerness and will be
conducted within a period of time. So this skills and attitude of the players will contribute in
evaluating the ego state of a person. Moreover, this game helps identifying the player’s
communication patterns between themselves, interactions of players and the use of verbal
cues.

There are two subjects that has been used in this assignment who has both different ego state
in different situations. Jenga has helped us in observing the both subjects’ attitude among
themselves. For an example, we played the game in pairs of two where one of the pair is the
both subjects and another pair has been volunteered by two students from the team. We
played as per the procedures and watched them handling the game together where we manage
to find all the three ego states in them.

Relation of Jenga and Communication

The instructions of Jenga can be modified in order to promote communication development
and social-emotional learning. This is possible where in a group session, upon starting the
game, in order to build the tower by placing the blocks on top of other one by one, the blocks
should be divided up evenly. By doing this as a group, group members able to practice their
speech sounds and build team work. Besides, the people playing the game can build the tower
by adding blocks to show that they have added a question, connection or comment during
playing which would be the conversation of the game. By taking turn and playing the game
by adding blocks to build the tower, communication skill can be observed and later able to
interpret will ego state the players are portraying.

Additionally, the game also makes players to be focus on listening to the instruction given
and following directions. For example, when one player instruct the another player which
blocks to pull out for their turn such as “pull the yellow block in the sixth row in the middle”
or “push the blue block in the fourth row from the top on the left side”. This conversation is
able to study the individual ego state during the game.

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On the other hand, the game works well to observe the key component of effective
communication as the game build empathy and negotiation skills of the player. This skill
would help gamer to navigate to the most successful outcomes. In this case, this game able
people to see things from other’s perspective which known as empathy which portrays adult
ego state. This skill will help player to personalize their communication more effectively.
Everyone portrays different ego state and by communication one will able to adjust and
understand another’s way of communication.

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This game was played by two students and our two subjects just to make it more interesting
and also to observe the team work between the subjects. We focused only on our subjects and
the students are the constant variable.

WHILE PLAYING THE JENGA BUILDING BLOCKS GAME

Subject A: Mr. Sashidharan
Subject B: Miss Jasmine

Scene 1
At the very start of the Jenga game,
Subject B : I don’t know how to play the game, have not really tried it before
(While placing hands on lap and not showing enthusiasm towards
something new)
Subject A : No, nothing. Just push a block and place it on top
(While demonstrating)

Interpretation: Subject B show adult ego state because she did not get excited when the
game started and stated directly that subject B does not know how to play the game. While,
subject A shows nurturing parent ego state toward subject B. Subject A shows nurturing
parent ego state because subject A took care and guided subject B to play the game when
subject B stated that she does not know how to play the game. Subject A took care on subject
B’s worry about playing the game as subject A demonstrated on how to play the game to
subject B.

Scene 2
While the other pair is playing their turn, Subject A tries to scare them in a playful manner.

Interpretation: Subject A shows changes in ego state from scene 1 which is from nurturing
parent ego state to natural child ego state. This change in the ego state is because subject A
tried to be playful and fun by disturbing the opposite team who is playing the game.

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Scene 3
When it is the turn for Subject A and Subject B to play,

Subject A : Jasmine, try this block (while instructing Subject B to pick the block of
his choice). Careful, careful, don’t drop it (while Subject B is playing).
Subject B : Okay (while following instructions from Subject A)
Subject A : Relax, relax. Try slowly (while watching Subject B play her turn).
Subject B : Can I pick up the last block from here?
Subject A : Yes, can. Careful

Interpretation: Subject A show changes in ego state from scene 2 which is from natural
child ego state to critical parent ego. Subject A shows critical parent ego state because subject
A started instructing subject B about which block to pick. Subject A was asking subject B to
be careful when picking up the block and also request subject B to make sure to not drop the
block. While, subject B shows adapted child ego state as subject B follow the instructions
given by subject A about picking the block.

Scene 4
While the other pair is playing their turn, Subject A tries to scare them in a playful manner.

Interpretation: Again, subject A show changes by changing from scene 3 which is from
critical parent ego state to natural child state. This is because subject A tries to scare the
opposite team playfully so that the opposite team will be distracted and will drop the blocks.

Scene 5
When it is the turn for Subject A and Subject B to play, Subject A plays based on his own
decisions. Subject B watches carefully but she does not recommend or comment anything.
Subject A does not ask for opinions from Subject B.

Interpretation: Subject A in this situation immediately show changes from scene 4 which is
from natural child state to adult ego state as subject A think wisely to choose the block to be
picked up and tries to pick the block carefully without being distracted. Subject A also did
not ask for any opinion on which block to be picked up and this show that subject A is
independent in making decision.

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While, subject B show changes in the ego state from scene 3 and 4 to adult state ego as
subject B did not get involve and respect the decision-making process of subject A. Subject B
also remains quiet when Subject A is picking the block.

Scene 6
When it is the turn for Subject A and Subject B to play, Subject B starts to choose which
block to pick.

Subject A: Pick this one (while instructing Subject B to pick the block of his
choice).
Subject B: (does not pick the block of his choice and tries to pick something of her own)
Subject A: No. Take this one first (while pointing at the block of his choice).
Subject B: Are you serious? (Asking in doubt because she feels it is not the suitable
block).
Subject A: Serious. Take this. Just touch the red block and see if it is loose enough
to be pulled out(while still pointing). Touch this. Touch this.
Subject B: Okay (touches the red block).
Subject A: Don’t shake the table Jasmine, don’t shake.
Subject B: (finally Subject B picks the red block she was instructed to and silently
places it at the top of the Jenga blocks)

Interpretation: Subject A in this situation immediately changes from Scene 5 which is from
adult ego state to critical parent ego state as he starts instructing subject B to pick the block of
his choice whereas Subject B remains in showing adult ego state by denying on picking the
block of Subject A choice. Subject B is thinking rationally before taking a decision. Subject
B did not listen to Subject A at first because she doubts the choice of subject A might be
wrong but as subject A started to forced her on how to remove the block, Subject B agreed
and listened to subject A.

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Scene 7
While the other pair is playing their turn, Subject A tries to influence them in a playful
manner.

Subject A : We won already. Cannot win. That’s it, no need to try (laughs and `
plays around).
Subject B smiles quietly.

Interpretation: Subject A in this situation immediately changes from Scene 6 from critical
parent ego state to natural child ego state as subject A tries to be playful by disturbing the
opposite team who is playing to distract them from placing the right block. Subject A started
to tease the opposite team saying they have lost the game. Subject B remains in showing
adult ego state by just smiling quietly.

Scene 8

Subject A: : Okay make it more difficult. Can you see this three or not?
(pointing at the jenga building) Can you see? Can you pull the white or not?
You just touch the white and see its moving or not.

Subject B follows what subject A says and touch the white block and it cannot move and
began to try and find any other block to be moved on her own. Subject A suggest something
to her.

Subject A : Yellow colour in the middle? This one?

Subject B : This one? I tried already (But Subject B tries again)
Subject A : Slowly Jasmine, Slowly Jasmine, Slowly. (Subject B takes the yellow
block slowly and placed it on top.)

Interpretation: Subject A in this situation immediately changes from Scene 7 from natural
child ego state to critical parent ego state as he started to instruct to Subject B to check
whether the block moves before picking it. Subject B changes from Scene 7 from adult ego
state to adapted child ego state by listening immediately to Subject A without analyzing
whether the Subject A's choice is appropriate or not.

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Subject B tries to move the block suggested by Subject A then Subject B changes from
adapted child ego state to adult ego state by finding other block on her own. Subject A still
remains as critical parent state by giving suggestion to Subject B. Whereas subject B have
already tried the suggestion given by Subject A but still tries it. Lastly, Subject B follows
Subject A’s choice.

Scene 9
While the other pair of student was playing, subject A tries to scare them in a friendly manner
and Subject B smiles quietly. And then it is subject A’s turn to play. Subject A, analyse the
jenga building and choose the appropriate block and place on top.
While the other pair plays, subject A tries to scare them in a friendly manner.

Subject A : Just see. The yellow can or not. The top one? Can or not?
Subject B : Which one?
Subject A : This one
Subject B : The yellow colour?
Subject A : Yeah

Subject B analyse the whole jenga block again to see any other alternatives before
considering Subject A’s suggestion.

Subject A : Can you see or not?

Subject B : this one?
Subject A : yean that one

Subject B tries to pull out the block suggested by Subject A

Subject A : IS it possible? Yeah, just pull in slowly

Subject B managed to pull it off and placed it on top of the jenga block.

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Interpretation: Subject A in this situation immediately changes from Scene 9 from critical
parent ego state to natural child ego state by disturbing the opposite team in a friendly
manner. Subject B remains adult ego state by smiling quietly. Subject A changes to adult ego
state as he analyses the jenga block and choose the appropriate block. Then Subject A
changes to critical parent ego state as he started to instructs Subject B to choose the block of
his choice. Subject B remains in adult ego state by analysing the jenga block again to check
different alternatives before considering Subject A’s suggestion. Subject A remains as critical
parent ego state by convincing subject B to pull the block of his choice. Subject B listens to
Subject A’s suggestion and follows it.

Scene 10
The student pair played and the jenga block crumbled
Subject A : We won already! That’s it!
Subject B smiled and stay calm.

Interpretation: Subject A in this situation immediately changes from Scene 9 from critical
parent ego state to natural child ego state by being excited for winning the game. Subject B
remains as adult ego state by smiling and being calm

Conclusion:
Based on the above scenes, subject A portray multi ego state while playing the game compare
to subject B.

In conclusion, by playing Jenga, the different ego states portrayed by both the subjects were
identified and analysed. According to the interpretation of the game, subject A changing from
one after other different types of ego state more frequent compared to subject B. This might
be due to his experience in playing this game while subject B mostly portrayed adult ego state
by being calm throughout the game session followed by child ego state. Child ego state is
seen when subject B follows the suggestion given by subject A without giving any second
thought. Lastly, subject B does not portray any parent ego state. This might be due to a lack
of experience in playing the game. This game session enables us to identify the two different
subjects’ communication skill and the ego states portrayed by them.

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Photos taken during Jenga Session

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

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 PART 3 :

INTERVIEW -

SUBJECTIVE AND

OBJECTIVE

QUESTIONS

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We have interviewed our subjects by asking questions verbally. While the subject answered,
we assessed their ego states based on the answers given and their reaction towards the
questions asked.

SUBJECT B : MISS JASMINE

SUBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
1. It is the end of the month and you are running out of money. You come across a nice
shirt/blouse that is in the trend right now for a reasonable price. What will you do?
Answer : I will only buy the blouse if it is a necessity for me. Otherwise, I would not choose
to purchase it since it is really not my need at the moment. Even though the blouse is in the
trend and comes with an affordable price, I will not buy it unless it is really needful.

Interpretation : She portrays adult ego state in this situation. This is because she can think
and decide logically and rationally according to the situation. Although she knows that she
can afford the blouse, but she still places her needs over her wants and decides to not
purchase things that are not a necessity for her at the time.

2. You are supposed to have an early morning meeting with the dean of the school today.
However, you arrive an hour late due to an unavoidable emergency. What will your
action/reaction be when the dean confronts you?
Answer : I would first apologize since it is definitely my mistake for arriving late. I would
face the consequences and take full responsibility for the situation. I would be willing to take
any action in order to compensate for my mistake.

Interpretation : She portrays adult ego state in this situation. She is taking full responsibility
for her actions and is able to face the situation with a calm and controlled manner. She did
not panic, fear or be emotional in this situation. Thus, she has an adult ego state for this
situation.

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3. You are conducting a class test for a group 30 students. During the test, you notice a
few of them copying. How will you react to the situation?
Answers : I will immediately call the students out and confiscate the materials or the
handphones that has been used to copy in test. Depending on the weightage of marks of the
test, I will decide whether to let the students to continue taking the test, or give them a retest.
If they are allowed to take the test, I will observe them carefully as to not allow them to
repeat their copying action again. If I notice that a lot of copying has been done, I will
arrange for a retest only for these particular group of students only.

Interpretation : She portrays adult ego state in this situation. She is able to handle the
situation calmly, think rationally and is still considerate of the importance of a test for the
students, although they have done a mistake by copying in the test. She did not react
emotionally by getting angry, scolding or shouting at the students immediately after noticing
that they are copying. Instead, she decided to calmly call these students out and take away
their copying materials. She is also rationalizing the situation based on the actions that
should be taken, whether it is a retest or allowing them continue the test, and this will be
decided upon assessing the situation. Thus, she has shown an adult ego state in handling this
situation.

4. It’s a Saturday night and you are attending a party. Suddenly, you are approached by a
random girl/guy in the party asking you out for lunch. How would you respond?
Answer : I will immediately reject the request to go out with the guy as I would not go out
with strangers. I prefer to know a person better before going out with him and would like to
make proper plans before going out.

Interpretation : She portrays adult ego state in this situation. She handles the situation
without being afraid of the stranger and reject the request to go out with him politely. She did
not show any excitement or anger on the stranger as he try to approach her. She also thinks
wisely to get to know a person before going out with them and this portrays that she does not
like to be rushed into going a date or a going out plan. Based on this, she is identified to show
an adult ego state in handling this situation.

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5. What is the one most valuable ‘thing’ for you? What if someone misplaces / breaks /
hides etc it? What if you knew the person responsible for it?
Answers : My most valuable thing is my books. Supposed someone has taken and not
returned my books, or spoilt it in any way, whether accidentally or intentionally, I will
confront them politely. If the person has borrowed and not returned my books, I will confront
them, and if they deny, I would not be able to do anything about the situation. This is because
I feel that we should not keep a grudge against people. Thus, I would move on from that
scenario. We cannot fight a person who is always denying the truth. I will not be okay with
that person personally but only for the sake of having to, that I will be.

Interpretation : In this scenario, she portrays adult state. This is because she is bravely
confronting the person who borrowed her books in a very polite manner. She can rationalize
the situation and she knows how to confront people and that too, politely. Furthermore, she
knows that holding grudge brings no good, and smartly and ideally, she chose to move on.
She is able to rationalize what is good for her. She also understands that we cannot fight the
ones who deny the truth. Clearly, she is in her adult state based on how she rationalized and
her maturity in handling a situation.

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OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

1. You have proposed a girl/guy a few years back and you have been rejected harshly by
him/her. One day, he/she approaches you back with the intention of getting to know
you better to get into a relationship. What would you do?
Ego State Answer
Parent State A React by putting some sense into him/her in an angry manner.
Adult State B Reply by saying that you need time to think.
Child State C Decline. Let him/her feel what it felt like to be rejected for years.
After a day or two, approach him/her back to reciprocate.

Answer : B
Interpretation : She is portraying adult ego state in this situation. She is able to put her
emotions aside and think with a rational mind to make the best decision. When the person
says that she needs time to think, it means that she is willing to consider the proposal or reject
it, but only after grasping full understanding of the situation and weighing out the pros and
cons.

2. You were asked to sing in front of 30000 people of all sudden. How would you react?
Ego State Answer
Parent State A You disagree and started to get irritated – voice out that you are
not prepared / not interested.
Adult State B Decline politely / Be supportive in order not to be a spoilsport.
Child State C Feel shy / Happily accepts the offer

Answer: B
Interpretation: She is portraying adult ego state in this situation. She did neither get excited
nor irritated immediately as she gets the offer to sing in front of others. She replied politely to
reject the offer given to her. She also thinks wisely that it is more important and considerate
to be sportive and understanding for the people in this kind of situation rather than being a
spoilsport which will end up upsetting others and herself at the same time.

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3. Your lecturer tells a horrible joke. How would you react?
Ego State Answer
Parent State A Smile and stay quiet
Adult State B Laugh and go with flow
Child State C Ignore the joke
.
Answer : A
Interpretation: In this situation she portrays parent ego state. She prefers to stay quiet and
smile. She prefers not to be rude and hurt the lecturer’s feelings and at the same time she did
not feel like laughing. She chose not to hurt the lecturer’s feelings by just ignoring the joke
and she did not want to feel guilty by not laughing at the joke and hurting the lecturer at the
same time. Thus, she chose to smile and remain quiet.

4. You are in a lift with strangers, then, someone farted loudly. How would you react?

Ego State Answer

Parent State A Stare and get annoyed
Adult State B Remain calm as if nothing happened
Child State C React and laugh loudly

Answer : B
Interpretation : She portrays adult ego state in this scenario. She chose to remain calm as if
nothing happened because she did not want to be rude. Furthermore, she understands that
farting is part of the inevitable process of human being’s body. Thus, she feels there is
nothing to laugh or complain about. She has the ability to think rationally hence, reacted that
way.

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5. How would you react if you are sexually harassed?
Ego State Answer
Parent State A Traumatized and react at the moment, and attack the person
Adult State B Traumatized and avoid the person, and later react.
Child State C Traumatized and stay quiet

Answer : A
Interpretation: In this situation, she portrays parent ego state. She said she would be
traumatized and reacts at the very moment she has been sexually harassed and she would
attack the person. When someone did that to her, she chose to punish the person who did
wrong to her.

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SUBJECT A : MR. SASHIDHARAN
SUBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

1. It is the end of the month and you are running out of money. You come across a nice
shirt that is in the trend right now for a reasonable price. What will you do?
Answer: I will borrow money from my friend and buy the nice shirt that is in the trend right
now for a reasonable price. Later, once I get my salary, I will return that money back to my
friend.

Interpretation: He portrays child and adult ego state in this situation. The child ego state is
when he still wanted the shirt although he knows that he cannot afford it for that moment.
Besides, he also did not think whether is it really necessary to purchase it. The adult ego state
is portrayed when he decided to return the money once he gets his salary. He is being
responsible for the money he had borrowed.

2. You are supposed to have an early morning meeting with the dean of the school today.
However, you arrive an hour late due to an unavoidable emergency. What will your
action/reaction be when the dean confronts you?
Answer: I would be scared at the first place, since it is the dean of the school whom I have to
deal with. I would firstly apologize since it is definitely my mistake for arriving late. I would
face the consequences and take full responsibility for the situation since it was my mistake. I
would be willing to take any action in order to compensate for my mistake.

Interpretation: He portrays adult ego state in this situation. He is taking full responsibility
for his actions and is able to face the situation with a controlled manner. It is common to be
scared when anyone does a mistake. The important thing here is he knows how to handle the
situation by accepting this mistake. Thus, he has an adult ego state for this situation.

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3. You are conducting a class test for a group of 30 students. During the test, you notice a
few of them copying. How will you react to the situation?
Answer: First thing, I would voice out that ‘please do not copy’. Second thing, I will take one
of them and ask them to sit somewhere else. Thirdly, I’ll reduce the copiers’ marks

Interpretation: He portrays both adult and parent ego state in this situation. This is because
the adult ego state is first portrayed when he thinks rationally during the situation by giving
them chances at first. He advices them in general in the beginning. However, when he again
finds out that the students are copying, he reacts according to critical parent ego state. It is
because he decides to punish them by changing their sitting position. Besides, he would react
by reducing their marks which further enhances the statement that the subject has critical
parent ego state in this situation.

4. It’s a Saturday night and you are attending a party. Suddenly, you are approached by
a random girl/guy in the party asking you out for lunch. How would you respond?
Answer: The subject had two answers for this.
i. The subject will go for the lunch if the girl was pretty.
ii. The subject will reject the offer saying “sorry, please try again” if the girl was not
pretty and pretend to be busy.

Interpretation: Both of the answers given by the subject were categorized in the child ego
state. This is because the subject was choosing between the pretty ones and the non-pretty
ones and had options on the decisions being made. This shows that the subject is having the
child ego state. He was giving importance to the physical appearance over other essential
aspects which should be taken into account for a meet up.

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5. What is the one most valuable “thing” for you? What if someone
misplaces/breaks/hides it, etc.? What if you knew the person responsible for it?
Answer: I think the most valuable thing in terms of price would be my gadgets. Most of the
time, I use my phone. I may place my phone anywhere. But if once I misplace my phone, my
whole world is gone, because it cost RM3000, so expensive. I’ll literally kill the person if
someone misplaces/breaks/hides it, feeling angry.

Interpretation: He portrays adult ego state in this situation. He knows how to value things
that he owns such as his phone. He makes sure to take good care of it. He gets very angry if
someone misplaces/breaks/hides it. This portrays child ego state because he could have
tackled it in a matured way by confronting the person in a good manner rather than being
angry with the person. He should rationalize the situation first before reacting to it. This
shows that the subject is having the child ego state.

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OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

1. You have proposed a girl/guy few years back and you have been rejected harshly by
him/her. One day he/she approaches you back with the intention of getting to know you
better to get into a relationship. What would you do?
Ego State Answer
Parent state A React by putting some sense into him/her in angry manner
Adult state B Reply by saying you need some time to think
Child state C Decline. Let him/her feel what it felt like to be rejected for years.
After a day or two, approach him/her back to reciprocate

The subject provided two optional answers for this situation

Answer: B and C

Interpretation: The subject mentioned that if the girl is good looking, he would definitely
choose option B. He shows child ego state based on this answer. This is because he gives
preference to physical appearance. The subject has chosen option C by stating that if the girl
is not pretty, then he would definitely decline the offer. First impression which is appearance
becomes the priority for the subject. When questioned upon why he would reject the same
person he proposed earlier, he stated that aging process may make someone ugly or pretty
over the years. So if the person is not pretty, then he would reject the offer. This shows that
the subject will be reacting according to child ego state in this situation.

40 | P a g e
2. You were asked to sing in front of 30000 people of all sudden.
Ego State Answer
Parent State A You disagree and started to get irritated – voice out that you are
not prepared / not interested.
Adult State B Decline politely / Be supportive in order not to be a spoilsport.
Child State C Feel shy / Happily accepts the offer.

Answer: A

Interpretation: He disagreed and started to get irritated. He could’ve been more patient and
understanding in handling this kind of situation instead being angry or irritated. Moreover,
voicing out on a situation like this is quite inappropriate because it may worsen up the
situation. This manner shows that he is up to his own decision where he tries to be more
mature about it. This shows that the subject will be reacting according to parent ego state in
this situation.

3. Your lecturer tells a horrible joke. How would you react?

Ego State Answer
Parent State A Smile and stay quiet
Adult State B Laugh and go with flow
Child State C Ignore the joke

Answer: B

Interpretation: This answer is said because the horrible joke was done by the lecturer so even
when it is a horrible joke he decided to just pretend that he understands and smiles. This
shows his maturity level to prevent the situation from becoming awkward. This shows that
the subject will be reacting according to adult ego state in this situation.

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4. You are in a lift with strangers, then, someone farted loudly. How would you react?
Ego State Answer
Parent State A Stare and get annoyed.

Adult State B Remain calm as if nothing happened.

Child State C React and laugh loudly.

Answer: A

Interpretation: So when a situation like this popped up and the subject is in a place where he
does not know the people surrounding him, he tends to react in a way of being more serious,
not understanding and react as how he wanted regardless of how the situation is. Behaving in
this way will never make them to think in a rational way because farting could not be
classified of something very wrong. This shows that the subject will be reacting according to
parent ego state in this situation.

5. How would you react if you are sexually harassed?

Ego State Answer
Parent State A Traumatized and react at the moment, and attack the person.
Adult State B Traumatized and avoid the person, and later react.
Child State C Traumatized and stay quiet.

Answer : A

Interpretation : He is portraying parent ego state in this situation. He is able to react

immediately after being sexually harassed by attacking the person which is the best decision
he could make at that situation. When he acts immediately, shows that he is not scared of the
situation.

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 PART 4 :

COMPARISON OF

THE SUBJECTS

43 | P a g e
COMPARISON OF EGO STATES FOR BOTH SUBJECTS

PART 1: SUBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

MISS JASMINE (A) SUBJECTIVE QUESTIONS MR SASHIDARAN (B)

Adult ego state Question 1 Child and adult ego state

Adult ego state Question 2 Adult ego state

Adult ego state Question 3 Adult and parent ego state

Adult ego state Question 4 Child ego state

Adult ego state Question 5 Adult ego state

Table 1: Comparison of ego states from the subjective questions

PART 2: OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

MISS JASMINE (A) OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS MR SASHIDARAN (B)

Adult ego state Question 1 Child and adult ego state

Adult ego state Question 2 Parent ego state

Parent ego state Question 3 Adult ego state

Adult ego state Question 4 Parent ego state

Parent ego state Question 5 Parent ego state

Table 2: Comparison of ego states from the objective questions

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From table 1 above, the similarities in ego states are quite prominent from both subjects. Both
subjects are in their adult ego states from questions 1 to 3 and question 5. However, subject B
(Mr. Sashidaran) showed a mixed ego states in questions 1 and 3 with child and parent ego
states, occurring respectively. From table 2, the results showed lesser similarities between
these two subjects with only questions 1 and 5.

Nonetheless, there were a few major differences that can be extracted out from the results.
From table 1, subject A, showed a consistent adult ego state for all the five questions posed to
her. According to Dr. Berne, subject A is characterized by logical, practical thinking, and
reasoning where she analyses, solves problems, and makes decisions using the rules that have
been imprinted, information pulled from the environment, along with feedback from the child
and parent ego states. He also mentioned that the adult ego state provides rational decision-
making process and acts as the logical control for the child and parent states. Subject B, on
the other hand, is channelling all three ego states where this can be noted from Table 1 above.
Subject A showed a consistent parent and adult ego states throughout answering the objective
questions in part 2. In the parent state, subject A reflects the absorption over the years of the
influences of our actual parents and of parent and authority figures such as teachers and
bosses. This state has two functions whereby one is to enable people to be better actual
parents of their children and the other is to enable many responses to life to be made
automatically. Subject B showed the same results as A but the structure of the ego states from
each question were different in both subjects.

For example, a major difference that can be extracted out is from Part 1, question number 4
where when both subjects were asked if they are willing to go out on a date with someone
that they do not know personally from a party, subject A, without hesitation would react in
her adult state and stating that she would not go because she does not know the person and
she is not willing to go out with a stranger. Subject B reacted in his child state where he
would consider the physical appearance of the person rather than getting to know the person
first. Subject B, according to Berne, is childlike but not childish whereby subject B’s reaction
reside intuition and spontaneous drive.

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SECTION E PERSONALITY

Interviewee Details

SUBJECT A SUBJECT B

Name Ms. Jaasminerjit Kaur Mr. Shashidharan Menon

Age 30-year-old 30-year-old

Education Master in Clinical Pharmacy Master in Clinical Pharmacy

Date of interview 23rd November 2018

Date of game (jenga) 23rd November 2018

Time 1pm – 2pm

Venue KPJUC

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Photos taken during interview sessions

SUBJECT A

Figure 9

Figure 10

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SUBJECT B

Figure 11

Figure 12

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REFERENCES
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https://mcpt.co.uk/transactional-analysis-and-ego-states/
2. Verma, D. (2018). 3 Types of Ego States and Transactional Interactions Between Each
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ego-states-and-transactional-interactions-between-each-personalities/100117
3. An Introduction to Ego States | Counselling Connection. (2018). Retrieved from
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states/
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management/5a-understanding-itd/transactional-analysis
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http://www.clairenewton.co.za/my-articles/transactional-analysis-part1-the-masks-we-
wear.html
6. Games People Play | Eric Berne | Creator of Transactional Analysis. (2018). Retrieved
from http://www.ericberne.com/games-people-play/
7. Transactional Analysis. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-
about-therapy/types/transactional-analysis
8. Transactional analysis | Definition. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.addiction.com/a-
z/transactional-analysis/
9. The History Around The Game of Jenga | Jenga History. (2017). Retrieved from
http://www.airfungames.com/party-rental-resources/history-around-game-jenga
10. About | Jenga. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.jenga.com/about.php
11. Jenga Rules: How Do You Play Jenga? - How Do You Play It. (2018). Retrieved from
http://howdoyouplayit.com/jenga-rules-play-jenga/

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