Ego-States in Mentoring, Playing, and Expert Situations

This work includes experimental research, in which some of the basic theoretical assumptions of Transactional Analysis should be determined. We are trying to prove the hypothesis about quick changes of ego-states through the exchange of transactions. Whether the functional ego-states change, Dark Triad’s construct should not show changes. We developed three experimental situations, based on the theory of transactional analysis – mentor, game and expert, in which, according to our assumptions, it is possible to change various functional ego states. The second study tested the possibility of changing functional ego states in a phenomenological way, according to E. Berne; we thought we could activate such functional states by asking respondents to remember either the situation of shyness or control. The results of our first study indicate that phenomenological and behavioral determinants do not match; our results also confirm the possibility of changes in the ego-states in situations of social interactions as well, as well it is confirmed to change by other possible ways, that are discussed at the end of the empirical chapter. The results of the second study indicate changes in functional ego-states by actualization of memories about situations of control and shyness. Also it showed unexpected results of change in Dark Triad’s narcissism. In general, this work represents a new approach to experimental research of transactional-analytical facts in accordance with the modern research paradigm.