Return to Search
EN
In transactional analysis, there are three primary types of transactions:
Complementary Transaction:
In transactional analysis, a complementary transaction occurs when a message sent from one ego state elicits an appropriate and expected response from a complementary ego state in the other person. This interaction flows smoothly as the stimulus and response vectors are parallel. For example, if a parent (Adult ego state) asks their child (Child ego state), “Have you tidied your bed?”, and the child responds, “Yes, I have,” this is a complementary transaction.
Crossed Transaction:
A crossed transaction happens when a message sent from one ego state receives an unexpected or inappropriate response from a different ego state in the recipient, thus “crossing” the communication lines. This misalignment disrupts the intended communication flow. For example, if a parent (Adult ego state) asks their child (Child ego state), “Have you tidied your bed?”, but the child, instead of responding from their Child ego state, replies from a Rebellious Child ego state with, “Making my bed isn't my responsibility!”, this constitutes a crossed transaction.
Ulterior Transaction:
An ulterior transaction involves two messages communicated simultaneously: an overt social message and a covert psychological message. These messages often originate from different ego states and are contradictory, leading to hidden agendas. The expressed social message does not align with the underlying, often non-verbally communicated, psychological message. For instance, a new couple, unsure what to order at an upscale restaurant, asks the waiter for a recommendation. If the waiter, pointing to an expensive dish, states, “Our patrons often enjoy this selection,” while subtly conveying a psychological message of “Order the most costly item to impress,” this illustrates an ulterior transaction where the social and psychological levels diverge.
What are the types of transactions?
Complementary Transaction:
In transactional analysis, a complementary transaction occurs when a message sent from one ego state elicits an appropriate and expected response from a complementary ego state in the other person. This interaction flows smoothly as the stimulus and response vectors are parallel. For example, if a parent (Adult ego state) asks their child (Child ego state), “Have you tidied your bed?”, and the child responds, “Yes, I have,” this is a complementary transaction.
Crossed Transaction:
A crossed transaction happens when a message sent from one ego state receives an unexpected or inappropriate response from a different ego state in the recipient, thus “crossing” the communication lines. This misalignment disrupts the intended communication flow. For example, if a parent (Adult ego state) asks their child (Child ego state), “Have you tidied your bed?”, but the child, instead of responding from their Child ego state, replies from a Rebellious Child ego state with, “Making my bed isn't my responsibility!”, this constitutes a crossed transaction.
Ulterior Transaction:
An ulterior transaction involves two messages communicated simultaneously: an overt social message and a covert psychological message. These messages often originate from different ego states and are contradictory, leading to hidden agendas. The expressed social message does not align with the underlying, often non-verbally communicated, psychological message. For instance, a new couple, unsure what to order at an upscale restaurant, asks the waiter for a recommendation. If the waiter, pointing to an expensive dish, states, “Our patrons often enjoy this selection,” while subtly conveying a psychological message of “Order the most costly item to impress,” this illustrates an ulterior transaction where the social and psychological levels diverge.