Aikuinenminätila

Aikuinenminätila, which translates to "adult ego state," is a concept originating from Transactional Analysis, a theory of personality and communication developed by Eric Berne. The adult ego state is characterized by rational, logical, and objective thinking. It is the part of us that processes information from the environment, assesses reality, and makes decisions based on facts and evidence. When operating from the adult ego state, an individual is problem-solving, analytical, and able to respond to situations in a measured and appropriate way. This state is not influenced by past experiences or emotional reactions in the same way as the parent or child ego states.

The adult ego state acts as a mediator between the parent ego state, which contains internalized rules, beliefs, and judgments from authority figures, and the child ego state, which houses feelings, impulses, and early life experiences. Through the adult ego state, individuals can evaluate the validity of parental messages and the appropriateness of child-like responses. It allows for objective observation, critical thinking, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Developing and strengthening the adult ego state is a key goal in Transactional Analysis for fostering healthy psychological functioning and effective interpersonal interactions.