Minätilat

Minätilat, a Finnish term roughly translating to "ego states" or "self states," refers to the concept within transactional analysis that individuals can operate from different psychological perspectives or personalities. These states are not considered separate personalities in a pathological sense, but rather distinct patterns of behavior, thought, and feeling that a person can access. Transactional analysis identifies three primary ego states: Parent, Adult, and Child.

The Parent ego state contains the attitudes, feelings, and behaviors "borrowed" from parents and parental figures. It can be nurturing, providing comfort and guidance, or critical, imposing rules and judgments. The Adult ego state is characterized by rational, objective, and logical thinking. It deals with the present reality and processes information without emotional bias. The Child ego state encompasses the feelings, impulses, and experiences from one's own childhood. It can manifest as the Free Child, expressing spontaneity and creativity, or the Adapted Child, conforming to parental expectations or rebelling against them.

Individuals shift between these ego states throughout the day, often unconsciously, depending on the situation and their internal state. The goal of transactional analysis is to help individuals become aware of their dominant ego states and to develop a stronger, more integrated Adult ego state, enabling them to respond to life more effectively and autonomously. Understanding minätilat can improve communication, resolve interpersonal conflicts, and foster personal growth by recognizing the origins of one's behaviors and emotional responses.