TAJ October 2000 Abstracts

Biology and Transactional Analysis II: A Status Report on Neurodevelopment
by James R. Allen
Over the past decade, research in child development and neurophysiology has revolutionized our knowledge of brain functioning. This article uses some of these newer findings to deepen our understanding of key concepts and interventions in transactional analysis.

If Berne Met Winnicott: Transactional Analysis and Relational Analysis
by William F. Cornell
This essay addresses the nature and application of theory in psychotherapy, specifically challenging the overuse of Parent ego state functions and the oversimplification of D. W. Winnicott's work within contemporary transactional analysis models and techniques. In contrast to therapeutic models that emphasize empathy and attachment, the author emphasizes the importance of play, curiosity, wonder, and differentness within the therapeutic process.

Transactional Analysis and Homosexuality: A Literature Review
by Graham Perlman
There is a contradiction between Berne's statements on homosexuality and the "I'm OK, You're OK" life position promoted in transactional analysis. This discrepancy is explored with reference to revisions Berne made in his later writings. After Berne's death, the transactional analysis literature on homosexuality is sparse, although what does exist is affirmative. This scarcity is related to cultural hostility toward homosexuality as well as to the development of transactional analysis. Finally, guidelines for gay affirmative writing are offered.

Control: The Fourth Psychological Hunger
by Kate Meredith
This article asserts that the desire for control is a natural psychological hunger, satisfied by empowerment, stability, and connection. The natural urge to develop a healthy psyche that has the "muscle" to create psychological safety and security is suggested as an addition to Berne's three basic psychological hungers. The distinction between healthy positive control and unhealthy neurotic control is an important factor in understanding what motivates human behavior. When healthy control is not achieved, rather than experience helplessness, confusion, and isolation-which is akin to psychological death-people will adopt neurotic control methods. New therapeutic techniques for addressing this issue in therapy are described.

The Pinocchio Syndrome
by Michele Novellino
Berne (1972) often used fables and myths to illustrate psychological scripts. This article describes the Pinocchio Syndrome, which is based on the children's story written by Collodi (1880/1993) and represents a personality type that manifests characteristics of both narcissistic personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder. Diagnostic and therapeutic methodologies relative to this syndrome are described.

Passion, the Natural Child, and the "Hot Potato"
by Ken Woods
The passions residing in the Natural Child of a parent may be passed on to his or her child as a "hot potato" (English, 1969). Such "hot potatoes" may not only have a profound influence on the child's formation of character structure but may also be a significant factor in the child's formation of script.

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