Games People Play & Game Analysis Flashcards
6 cards from real CTA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Games People Play & Game Analysis flashcards as text
In transactional analysis, what is a 'game'?
Answer: A repetitive series of transactions with a hidden agenda that ends in bad feelings
A game in TA is a recurring series of transactions with an ulterior motive that ends predictably with negative feelings (the payoff) for all parties.
What is the 'payoff' of a psychological game in TA?
Answer: The negative feeling that confirms the player's script at the game's conclusion
The payoff is the negative emotional outcome each player experiences at the end of the game, which reinforces their script beliefs and life position.
What is the 'Drama Triangle' in TA?
Answer: A model showing how players shift between Persecutor, Rescuer, and Victim roles in games
The Drama Triangle, developed by Stephen Karpman, shows how game players shift between three roles — Persecutor, Rescuer, and Victim — in a predictable sequence.
In the Drama Triangle, what characterizes the 'Rescuer' role?
Answer: Appearing to help while actually maintaining the Victim's helplessness
The Rescuer in the Drama Triangle appears to help but actually maintains the Victim's dependence and helplessness, often acting from an I'm OK, You're Not OK position.
What is the 'con' in Berne's game formula (Con + Gimmick → Response → Switch → Crossup → Payoff)?
Answer: The covert message or hook that initiates the game
The con is the covert, ulterior message the game initiator sends to hook the other player into the game sequence.
What is the 'gimmick' in Berne's game formula?
Answer: The weakness or vulnerability in the respondent that allows the con to hook them
The gimmick is the respondent's vulnerability — a need, weakness, or script belief — that makes them susceptible to the initiator's con.