Second-order analysis in Transactional Analysis focuses on what?

Second-order analysis in Transactional Analysis focuses on what?

• A. The therapist's own reactions.
• B. The broader therapy context.
• C. The content of the client's statements.
• D. The transactions between ego states and their interactions with others.

Answer: (D)

Second-order analysis in Transactional Analysis examines the pattern of communication itself—the way ego states in one person (Parent, Adult, Child) interact with the ego states in others. It looks at who is speaking from which ego state and how the other person responds, rather than what is being said. This focus reveals complementary transactions (where the response comes from the expected ego state), crossed transactions (where the response comes from a different or unexpected ego state, leading to miscommunication), or ulterior transactions (where a hidden message runs beneath the overt one). By analyzing these inter-ego-state interactions, you understand how communication dynamics between people shape the therapeutic process and relationships.