Transactional Analysis Theory and Practice: Transactional Analysis Theory

Saturday 7 April 2018

Transactional Analysis Theory - Types of Strokes

This blog comes from Ajit Karve, a Transformational TA Coach

+919822024037; ajitpkarve@gmail.com

See the other blogs here : Table of Contents

Types of strokes

Healthy strokes promote acceptance and carry an aspect of appreciation. These strokes communicate love, affection, regard, respect and go to uphold esteem. Unhealthy strokes show up as denial, ignoring and criticism. They also communicate dislike, hate, hurt, rejection and put downs.

The impact of healthy strokes is short lived. In contrast the impact of unhealthy strokes is long lasting, impacting and has higher retention.

There are broadly three types of strokes. Positive and Negative, Verbal and Non-verbal and Conditional and Unconditional. Put together they make eight types of strokes. They are:

Positive Verbal Conditional; Negative Verbal Conditional;

Positive Verbal Unconditional; Negative Verbal Unconditional;

Positive Non-verbal Conditional; Negative Non-verbal Conditional;

Positive Non-verbal Unconditional; Negative Non-verbal Unconditional;

Positive and negative strokes - Positive strokes are pleasant, they provide a feeling of well being, boost self image, deliver a feel good factor. Negative strokes in contrast are unpleasant, they deprive feeling of well being, deny a good self image, and also deny a feel good factor. Positive strokes may not last long. In contrast negative strokes have a deep impact and stay for a long time. Healthy people do not welcome negative strokes. Negative strokes also leave trails of pain, hurt, insult and feeling bad. Being attended to, being recognised, being praised, being upheld constitute positive strokes. Being overlooked, being blamed, being hung on the hook, being cornered constitute negative strokes. Positive strokes raise esteem and spirit. Negative strokes hurt the body down to the cell.

Verbal and Non-verbal strokes - Verbal strokes are given by means of speech and by saying something. Non-verbal strokes are given by facial expressions, gestures, touch, a hug, kiss, pat, holding, caressing and the like.

Conditional and unconditional strokes - Conditional strokes are given for a reason, for how we are, how we have performed or done something, or our appearance for being dressed well. Unconditional strokes are for who we are. You are lovable, you are good, I like you, I hate you, you are an asset, are some examples.

Combinations of the types of strokes given here is shown in the diagram appearing below: