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Berne drew on many sources for the conceptual layout of his theoretical model, and on this basis transactional analysis may be defined as “transtheoretical.” Understanding ego states as systems and structures provides an exciting, original view of personality and psychopathology. Interpreting ego states as stages (Romanini, 1996) makes it possible to reduce the distance between normality and pathology. By being located in a structural and time-related dynamism, psychosis manifests itself when the states/stages become disorganized and dislocated. It is assumed that in psychotic structures there is a lack of equilibrium in complementary adaptation processes, with a prevalence of assimilation over accommodation (Piaget, 1975). This imbalance produces a structural weakness in A2, and on the basis of external stimuli, it reactivates the simultaneous reappearance of states belonging to other developmental stages. Psychotic language reflects this internal disorganization and has its own affective logic and narrative structure. The proposed interpretation of the structural mechanisms may facilitate targeted and efficacious therapeutic actions, illustrated in this article by means of a case example.

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Marina Caravella

Marina Caravella, Provisional Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst, works as head psychologist at the Mental Health Department at the FG/3 ASL (Local Health Unit) and also has a private practice. She started her transactional analysis training with M. T. Romanini in 1979.

Anna Marone

Anna Marone works as psychologist in private practice in Foggia and concluded her last year of transactional analysis training at Scuola Superiore Seminari Romani di Analisi Transazionale, Roma. She is doing her internship at the Mental Health Department at the FG/3 ASL.