Differences between people – the effects on relationship building

According to Berne, everyone’s mode of behaviour can be classified into one of three groups, or ‘ego-states’, which he named:

Parent; Adult; Child.

Each ego-state has its own characteristics.

5.1 Parent Parent behaviour is typified by feelings of what is right and wrong. People with dominant Parent ego-states have a strong sense of protection and discipline. They are dogmatic and have controlling personalities.