ABSTRACT
Games involve a complex case of operant conditioning, whereby people are reinforced in their harmful or destructive behaviour. The theory on games is very useful in the analysis of the psychological and social aspects of mental and physical problems. Within Transactional Analysis, the theory of games has mainly been developed for addictions to alcohol. The elements of "repetition" and "circumventing the Adult consciousness" are also part of the theory of conditioning in educational psychology and behavioural therapy. The drama triangle turns out to be a powerful tool in detecting games within education. Classroom involvement in games prevents the development of the desired proactive, problem-solving behaviour in pupils. Game analysis is an effort to bring Adult awareness and choice into the motivations of the Child, which are typically operating out of awareness. A game is characterised by repetitive transaction and stroke patterns, a predictable course of development, an ulterior motive, and ultimately a switch in the actual meaning of the transactions.
