CTA Strokes, Rackets & Stamp Collecting

Question 1

In transactional analysis, what is a 'stroke'?

Accepted Answer

A unit of recognition that acknowledges another person's existence

Answer

A stroke in TA is a unit of recognition — any act that acknowledges another person's existence, including physical touch, words, gestures, or eye contact.

Question 2

What is the difference between 'conditional' and 'unconditional' strokes?

Accepted Answer

Conditional strokes are for what a person does; unconditional are for who a person is

Answer

Conditional strokes are given for behavior ('You did a great job'), while unconditional strokes are given for being ('I love you just as you are').

Question 3

What is the 'stroke economy' in TA, as described by Claude Steiner?

Accepted Answer

The artificial restriction of strokes taught in childhood to create dependency and control

Answer

The stroke economy, described by Steiner, refers to parental rules that restrict stroke-giving and receiving, creating artificial scarcity of strokes to maintain control.

Question 4

What are 'plastic strokes' in TA?

Accepted Answer

Insincere, hollow strokes that appear positive but lack genuine warmth

Answer

Plastic strokes are insincere, hollow positive strokes that appear genuine but lack real warmth or meaning, often felt as patronizing or manipulative.

Question 5

What is 'stroke hunger' in TA?

Accepted Answer

The fundamental human need for recognition and stimulation

Answer

Stroke hunger is the fundamental human need and drive for recognition and stimulation, which motivates much of human behavior and interaction.

CTA - Certified Transactional Analyst Practice Test

CTA - Certified Transactional Analyst Practice Test

CTA Strokes, Rackets & Stamp Collecting