National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) Practice Exam

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In Transactional Analysis, the personality is comprised of which three ego states?

  1. Child, Parent, Adult

  2. Mind, Body, Spirit

  3. Self, Other, Context

  4. Id, Ego, Superego

The correct answer is: Child, Parent, Adult

In Transactional Analysis, the personality is indeed divided into three distinct ego states: Child, Parent, and Adult. This model, developed by Eric Berne, posits that individuals interact and perceive the world through these three states, which represent different aspects of personality and psychological functioning. The Child state encompasses emotions, creativity, spontaneity, and the essence of innocence and playfulness, reflecting experiences from childhood. The Parent state carries the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that have been internalized from parental figures and authority figures, often exhibiting nurturing or controlling characteristics. The Adult state is the rational and logical part of the personality, responsible for processing information, making decisions, and responding to the present moment without the influence of past experiences or emotions. Each of these states plays a crucial role in how individuals communicate and behave in relationships, guiding their interactions and responses. Understanding these ego states allows for better insight into one's reactions and the dynamics in interpersonal communication. This framework is widely utilized in psychotherapy and counseling to help clients navigate their emotional experiences and improve their relational patterns.