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Articles

Understanding Second-Order Structure and Functioning

Ego State Structures, Relational Units, and the Divided Psyche

Pages 39-49
Published online: 28 Dec 2017
 
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Understanding second-order ego state structure and functioning in transactional analysis can be difficult. In this article, the author draws on his 40 years of clinical experience to help clarify these aspects of TA as well as to offer some new insights. Jacqui Schiff postulated that ego states are neural networks of associated responses. The author suggests that these networks form ego state structures that operate partly consciously and partly unconsciously. The conscious part is observable as distinct ego states, and through further investigation, the operation of unconscious parts, which can be thought of as ego state relational units (Little, 2006; Joines, 1977), can be discovered as well. The structure of the psyche is divided into a natural part that wants to grow and develop spontaneously and an adapted part that tries to protect the individual from further hurt by holding him or her back and maintaining his or her survival script. The positive intent of this latter part is often overlooked because it causes additional difficulty in the individual’s present life. Appreciating and working with this part facilitates discovering new ways to both grow and protect oneself in the present.

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Author information

Vann S. Joines

Author Biography
Vann S. Joines, PhD, is a Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst (psychotherapy) and President and Director of the Southeast Institute for Group and Family Therapy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA, where he divides his time between teaching, training, doing therapy, and windsurfing. He can be reached at Southeast Institute for Group and Family Therapy, 659 Edwards Ridge Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27517, USA; email: ; Web site: www.seinstitute.com.
 

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