Games People Play & Game Analysis Flashcards

How does game playing relate to stroke hunger in TA theory?

Answer: Games provide negative strokes that fulfill stroke hunger when positive strokes are unavailable

Games provide negative strokes that fulfill stroke hunger — people play games because they have learned to obtain strokes through negative interactions rather than positive ones.

What is the 'antithesis' to a game in TA?

Answer: A therapeutic move that prevents or interrupts the game

The antithesis is a specific therapeutic or interpersonal response that prevents the game from proceeding by not providing the hook the game needs.

In the game 'Wooden Leg,' what is the primary purpose for the player?

Answer: To use a disability or limitation as an excuse to avoid adult responsibilities

In 'Wooden Leg,' the player uses a real or claimed limitation as an excuse to avoid responsibility, with the covert message 'What do you expect from someone with a wooden leg?'

What role does the Victim position in the Drama Triangle play in perpetuating games?

Answer: The Victim position invites Rescuers and Persecutors, setting the game in motion

The Victim position sends covert invitations for Rescuers (who will eventually switch to Persecutors) or Persecutors, initiating and perpetuating the game cycle.

What distinguishes a 'game' from a single 'ulterior transaction' in TA?

Answer: Games are series of transactions with predictable outcomes while ulterior transactions are single covert exchanges

An ulterior transaction is a single exchange with both an overt and covert message, while a game is a series of such transactions forming a predictable, recurring pattern ending in a payoff.

Which concept describes the way game playing reinforces a person's life script?

Answer: Game payoffs produce racket feelings that confirm and deepen script decisions

Game payoffs produce racket feelings that reinforce the script — each game played adds to the collection of evidence supporting the script's core decisions.