Friday 31 May 2013

Measures of Ego Strength


This is a short blog on the measures of ego strength.  In other words, what makes up the adult ego state in the model of transactional analysis, what makes up the robust sense of self and in many other models, what makes up the mature self?  In other words, how do we judge or assess the strength or robustness of the mature self or in TA, the adult ego sense of self.

Ok, so I’m going to give a list of nine ways that we can assess the level of maturity of the adult ego state or the mature self.  
1. We look for the ability or the capacity of the mature adult to establish and maintain mutually helpful and supportive relationships at home, at work and at leisure.
2. The ability to look after essential needs for food and shelter and to be self-supporting.

3. The capacity to adapt and adjust to relationships at home, at work or at leisure which are difficult and upsetting.

4. The capacity to derive interest and satisfaction from the performance of skills and variety of setting.
5. The capacity to maintain a realistic sense of self-confidence and self-esteem.

6. The capacity to cope adaptively with change, loss and uncertainty.  For example, the loss of family, friends, job, money, status, health or indeed any change of routine.
7. The capacity to express sexuality within mutual satisfying and established relationships.
8. Perhaps the level of intelligence and achievement.  Intelligence is used her to denote an overall measure of skills gained.  It covers normal skills, the ability to conceptualise, handle words and figures, to find one’s way around the world, to judge the nature of social and emotional relationships and to respond appropriately.
9. Finally, we look for their levels of spontaneity, flexibility and the ability to look for options and adaptations in the functioning of life.

No comments:

Post a Comment