Which psychological theory on social interactions was developed by Eric Berne?

Which psychological theory on social interactions was developed by Eric Berne?

• A. Transactional Analysis
• B. Psychoanalytic Theory
• C. Social Learning Theory
• D. Humanistic Theory

Answer: (A)

Eric Berne developed Transactional Analysis, a theory of social interactions that explains how people communicate through three ego states—Parent, Adult, and Child—and how these states shape the messages we send and receive. In this framework, interactions are transactions that can be complementary (smooth), crossed (misunderstood), or ulterior (with hidden motives). Berne also emphasizes strokes (attention and recognition) and psychological games people play, which can reinforce patterns over time. This focus on how people interact in social exchanges, and how different ego states drive communication, is what makes Transactional Analysis the right answer. Psychoanalytic theory, associated with Freud, centers on unconscious drives, early conflicts, and internal psychosexual development rather than everyday social transactions. Social learning theory, linked to Bandura, explains behavior through observation, imitation, and reinforcement. Humanistic theory emphasizes self-actualization, personal growth, and the subjective experience of the individual.

Eric Berne developed Transactional Analysis, a theory of social interactions that explains how people communicate through three ego states—Parent, Adult, and Child—and how these states shape the messages we send and receive. In this framework, interactions are transactions that can be complementary (smooth), crossed (misunderstood), or ulterior (with hidden motives). Berne also emphasizes strokes (attention and recognition) and psychological games people play, which can reinforce patterns over time. This focus on how people interact in social exchanges, and how different ego states drive communication, is what makes Transactional Analysis the right answer.

Psychoanalytic theory, associated with Freud, centers on unconscious drives, early conflicts, and internal psychosexual development rather than everyday social transactions. Social learning theory, linked to Bandura, explains behavior through observation, imitation, and reinforcement. Humanistic theory emphasizes self-actualization, personal growth, and the subjective experience of the individual.