Time Structuring & Autonomy in TA Flashcards

Eric Berne identified how many ways people structure their time?

Answer: Six

Berne identified six ways people structure time: withdrawal, rituals, pastimes, activities, games, and intimacy.

Which time structure involves two or more people discussing a topic without psychological risk or hidden agendas?

Answer: Pastimes

Pastimes involve social conversation about common topics like sports or news without the depth of intimacy or the ulterior transactions of games.

What is the most scripted and superficial form of social time structuring according to Berne?

Answer: Rituals

Rituals are highly scripted, predictable exchanges—like formal greetings—that follow cultural or social rules with little variation.

Which form of time structuring involves people working together toward a shared real-world goal?

Answer: Activities

Activities are time structures focused on accomplishing tasks in external reality, such as collaborating on a work project.

Intimacy as a time structure is primarily characterized by which quality?

Answer: Absence of games and scripts

Intimacy involves open, authentic contact between people free from game-playing or script-driven behavior.

Games differ from pastimes primarily because games involve:

Answer: An ulterior transaction and a predictable negative payoff

Games are distinguished by an ulterior (hidden) motive and an ending in a predictable negative psychological payoff for all parties.

Withdrawal as a time structure refers to:

Answer: Psychologically disengaging while physically present or absent

Withdrawal involves retreating into fantasy or inner experience regardless of whether one is physically present with others.