The author reflects on the concept of physis, which was described by Eric Berne as a form of energy inherent in human beings. Mental health and happiness are interpreted not only as the outcome of good intrapsychic and relational functioning—which derive, according to Berne, from adequate strokes, awareness, OKness, and intimacy—but from the fulfillment, over a lifetime, of the innate universal drives typical of our species. These include survival, belonging, knowledge, and self-fulfillment. The author distinguishes vital energy, described by anthropologists as a cluster of genetic drives inherent in the human race, from the conditions necessary for their fulfillment, which includes the needs for recognition, structure, and stimuli (referred to in transactional analysis as psychological hungers).

79
Views
0
CrossRef citations
Altmetric
Article
Reflections on Physis, Happiness, and Human Motivation
Pages 272-285
Published online: 18 May 2018
Article
Reflections on Physis, Happiness, and Human Motivation
People also read
Tatjana Gjurković et al.
Transactional Analysis Journal
Volume 48, 2018 - Issue 3
Published online: 18 May 2018
editorial
Letter from the CoeditorPete King et al.
Transactional Analysis Journal
Volume 48, 2018 - Issue 3
Published online: 18 May 2018
Anna Emanuela Tangolo et al.
Transactional Analysis Journal
Volume 48, 2018 - Issue 3
Published online: 18 May 2018