Transactional Analysis Theory - Script Matrix

This blog comes from Ajit Karve, a Transformational TA Coach
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Script Matrix

Script has many definitions. (1) Script is that part of a consensual frame of reference structured by discounts. (2) Script is an intra-psychic mechanism which when it becomes activated deprives a person his capacity for autonomy. (3) Script is an unconscious, self authored life plan, written in a person's childhood, reinforced by parents, justified by subsequent events and culminating in a chosen alternative - the script payoff.

Script is based on childhood decisions. Decisions relevant to script are called script decisions. These decisions structure beliefs. The beliefs are accompanied by feelings repressed at the time of script decision. The beliefs and feelings together form a reinforcing system structuring the script.  

Script Matrix is a contribution to TA theory by Claude Steiner. It diagrams the parental messages that get installed in the PAC of their off-spring. It comprises three messages: Counter-injunctions, Program and Injunctions. It looks like the one shown in figure 36. The parental messages are called 'Parental Directives' by Eric Berne and are one of five causes for script to become operational.

 

Figure 36

Counter-injunction: The name suggests its meaning. Its effect is like that of an injunction. However, its purpose is to run counter to the injunction. Counter-injunction is acquired in later life as learnt behaviours that gain approval of the growing child's parents. They serve to provide relief from the effects of the injunctions. Activation of counter-injunction messages provides a person an experience of conditional OK-ness. In maintaining it, the affected person engages in related behaviour called driver. Drivers provide a protective shield, though mostly temporarily, against the effects of injunctions.

Counter-injunction messages tell a person what activity if followed will keep the person buoyant in the script ridden sea of life. See Allowers in 03.11 - Andrienne Lee Drowing Person’s picture.

Counter-injunctions originate in the Parent of the parents and get planted in the Parent of their child. Counter-injunctions structure the style of life and living. This a covered as Process Script in 03.11 Click Here.

Program: Program is a message planted by the Adult of parents in Adult of their offspring. These messages structure the conduct of a person in the context of his script. They tell him how to execute the dictates of the script, what activity to undertake in service of the script. For example: If don't be close is the injunction, then keep arm's distance from others like you see uncle Sam do it. The program therefore helps a person to further the script.

Injunction: Injunctions are prohibitive, inhibiting, incapacitating, don't messages that are based on early childhood decisions that get planted in the P₁ from the parent's P₁ and C₃. They are imagned or  mythical content. The emotionally overcharged behaviours of parents are the cause of these messages because they are planted before their child has words or non-verbally in later years. They stop persons in their track if they attempt to act counter to the prohibition. There are twelve injunctions. They are covered in 03.12. Click here to read the  section on Injunctions. 

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