Games

Question 1

What are “games” in Transactional Analysis

Answer 1

Games are recurring unconscious patterns of behavior where individuals engage in hidden underlying motives often leading to negative outcomes in relationships

Question 2

What are the three degrees of games in TA

Answer 2

The three degrees of games are first-degree games mild consequences second-degree games serious consequences third-degree games catastrophic consequences

Question 3

What are First-Degree Games in TA

Answer 3

First-degree games are socially acceptable games with mild consequences typically occurring in everyday interactions such as within families or workplaces

Question 4

Give an example of a First-Degree Game

Answer 4

Example Why Don’t You Yes But – A person asks for advice but rejects every suggestion frustrating the helper

Question 5

What are Second-Degree Games in TA

Answer 5

Second-degree games are more serious leading to significant emotional or psychological harm often occurring in private or intimate settings

Question 6

Give an example of a Second-Degree Game

Answer 6

Example See What You Made Me Do – One person blames another for their actions avoiding personal responsibility and evoking guilt

Question 7

What are Third-Degree Games in TA

Answer 7

Third-degree games have extreme consequences such as legal or physical harm often leading to irreversible damage or social fallout

Question 8

Give an example of a Third-Degree Game

Answer 8

Example Now I’ve Got You You Son of a B** – A person uses a small issue to justify extreme revenge or hostility

Question 9

What are Life Games in TA

Answer 9

Life games are patterns that align with a person’s life script and are played out repeatedly throughout their life shaping their identity and relationships

Question 10

Give an example of a Life Game

Answer 10

Example Alcoholic – A person with an addiction cycles through guilt enabling and relapse affecting close relationships

Question 11

What are Marital Games in TA

Answer 11

Marital games are power struggles or hidden agendas that occur within romantic relationships leading to manipulation or unmet needs

Question 12

Give an example of a Marital Game

Answer 12

Example If It Weren’t For You – One partner blames the other for stopping them from pursuing something they want like a career or hobby

Question 13

What are Underworld Games in TA

Answer 13

Underworld games involve extreme behaviors in deviant or antisocial environments where participants seek validation or excitement through risky actions

Question 14

Give an example of an Underworld Game

Answer 14

Example Let’s You and Him Fight – One person manipulates two others into conflict for amusement or personal gain

Question 15

What are Sexual Games in TA

Answer 15

Sexual games involve manipulation or hidden motives around sex and intimacy often as a power struggle or to fulfill unmet emotional needs

Question 16

Give an example of a Sexual Game

Answer 16

Example Rapo – A person invites sexual advances only to reject them at the last moment using it as a form of control or validation

Question 17

What are Professional Games in TA

Answer 17

Professional games take place in work environments involving power dynamics manipulation or the undermining of colleagues for personal gain

Question 18

Give an example of a Professional Game

Answer 18

Example I’m Only Trying to Help – A person offers unwanted assistance to colleagues subtly gaining control and positioning themselves as indispensable

Question 19

What are Good Games in TA

Answer 19

Good games follow similar patterns to other games but result in positive outcomes reinforcing self-worth or social bonds

Question 20

Give an example of a Good Game

Answer 20

Example Cavalier – One person offers protection or assistance in a genuinely helpful though slightly self-serving way benefiting both parties