Different Mask Structures in Transactional Analysis (TA)
THERAPY – Transactional Analysis (TA) is a psychological theory and therapy that explores human behavior based on the three Ego-states (parent, adult and child) developed by Eric Berne, TA examines interpersonal dynamics, communication, and life scripts. It helps individuals understand and change inefficient patterns by analyzing social transactions and their underlying scripts.
One of the perspectives to do that is by distinguish different Mask Structures. We’re not talking about those fancy Halloween masks, but the psychological masks we wear without even realizing it.
The Child Ego-State and it's Mask Structures
The Child is the Ego-State that we fill with all our own experiences we had as a child. Based on those experiences, which are different for every child, the Child Ego-States develops. We learn to think coherent, to feel and to behave based on early life-experiences from our childhood.
After neurobiological research we found out that our brains constantly create new neurological connections on one side, and close old connections on the other side. By this, we are also guided neurologically by our experiences. With these connections we create beaten tracks that we can follow over and over again.
We can distinguish 2 child mask structures: The Adapted Child and the Rebellious Child.
The Adapted Child Mask Structure
Ever felt like you’re navigating the social scene in autopilot mode, desperately trying to fit in? You might just be sporting the Adapted Child Mask. This mask is all about conforming to societal norms, seeking approval, and avoiding disapproval. It’s like we’ve all enrolled in the role of Chameleon, changing colors to blend seamlessly with our surroundings. By adapting all the time you lose your authenticity.
Carl Jung"The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are."
The Rebellious Child Mask Structure
The Rebel with a cause, or maybe without one. The Rebellious Child Mask is for those who dance to the beat of their own drum, challenge authority, and throw the rulebook out the window. This mask encourages us to embrace our unique rhythm and celebrate the quirks that make us stand out. When the rest goes left, you want to go right with this mask put on.
Oscar Wilde"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."
The Parent Ego-State and it's Mask Structures
The Parent is the Ego-State also creates beaten tracks that we can follow, only this happens at in a different way. We copy them from our parental figures. We get all kinds of messages in during our upbringing from our most important parental figures in our lives. Messages about how the world around is us is functioning and how you should behave in that world. Parental figures can be your mom and dad, but also other important persons that had an impact like grandparents, teachers, neighbors, etc. The rule here is once again: these messages are different for everyone.
You heritate experiences that are not your own from these parental figures. We collect and store them in what so called the Parental Ego-State. It includes all the thinking, feeling and behaviour we learned and took over from parental figures. In this matter, life-patterns are passed from generation to generation. We get the masks from the past as an inheritance in our own lives. You can imagine that these inherited behavioral patterns are given to us without knowing the origin of the behavior.
We can distinguish 2 parent mask structures: The Critical Parent and the Nurturing Parent.
The Critical Parent Mask Structure
Ever catch yourself being overly critical, either of yourself or others? You are wearing the Critical Parent Mask. This mask loves to dish out judgment, holding us captive to the critical voices from our past. We copied this behaviour from our parental figures.
Sophia Bush"You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously."
The Nurturing Parent Mask Structure
The second side of the Parent Ego-state is the Nurturing Parent Mask, the eternal caregivers and advice-givers of this world. It’s like having a personal cheerleader in your corner, but sometimes, we forget to be our own biggest fans. Let’s give ourselves the same love and care we so readily give to others.
RuPaul"If you can't love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?"
The Adult Ego-State
Finally, we have the Adult Ego-State. The Child and the Parent Ego-States fill themselves with experiences from the past both from ourselves as from others. The Adult Ego-State is determined by what is happening in the here and now. It is about thinking, feeling and acting based on what is happening in the present moment.
The Adult Ego-State is anticipating an the situation that is right in front of us and is not hindered by any experience from the past. When you are acting in an Adult Ego-State, you are capable of judging the situation exactly as it is and act on it accordingly. In other words, you are capable of structuring, taking care of, working together, using your creativity or any combination of behavior that is applicable and right for that particular situation.
The behaviour you show in the here and now is of course not fully new. Most of the actions we learned earlier in our life. Most important here is that you are able to take of your masks which gives you the freedom to decide which behaviour you are going to show. You are free to choose the best behaviour, suitable for that moment and situation.
The Adult Ego-State: Balancing Act
Maya Angelou"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Picture this: a superhero cape that screams rationality and objectivity, that’s the Adult Ego-State. While it’s great to make decisions based on reason, let’s not forget that emotions are part of life too.
Mask Structures Unmasked for Authenticity
So, there are many masks we are wearing every day without not even realizing it. Remember that each mask has its role in the grand theater of life. It all starts with awareness and being concious about them so you start recognize the patterns and behaviours. If you want to changes, than this is the first step to more authenticity.
The Parent and Child Mask Structures are also contributing to your personallity and are part of who you are and what makes you unique, there is no good or bad. Let’s embrace and accept them so you can accept yourself fully as you are with all your flaws and talents.
So, the main message in for this to start recognizing these masks and the behaviour that comes with it. Only then you can start unmasking your true self. Ideally, you strive to handle from the Adult Ego-State, taking of your masks and be fully authentic.
Let’s celebrate our uniqueness and dance to our own rhythm!