ABSTRACT
The Adult ego state has been relatively neglected in the TA literature. The purpose, goal and signature characteristic of the Adult ego state, according to Tudor, are integration, and the Adult is considered to be continually engaged in integrating. Perhaps it is more accurate to talk of Adult ego states, than the Adult ego state. The Child ego states include sensuality, which of course has a part to play in sexuality and sexual expression but Adult ego states are the (age-appropriate) source of adult sexuality. Although it is clinically useful to use models of pathology and healing to clear away obstacles that inhibit full growth and use of Adult ego states, this approach is limited in that they simply clear away these obstacles and do not necessarily encourage growth. The relatively new approach of positive psychology can provide therapists with theories and tools that can be used to enrich and optimize the growth conditions of the Adult ego states.
