Transactional Analysis in Russia

An introductory note from the editor-in-chief of the «Transactional Analysis in Russia journal». The article also provides an overview of the contents of Volume 5, Issue 1 (2025).

Proposed by P. Drego, the construct of the “Cultural Parent” belongs to a family of socially constructed contents of consciousness, collectively termed the “Super-Personal Self”. The ego-state of the Cultural Parent corresponds to “group etiquette” (beliefs, ideology, codes, superstitions, etc.), “technical culture” (inherited patterns of thought and action, modes of functioning within society), and the “character of the group” (emotional expressions accepted within the community). The Cultural Parent participates in the formation of the Parent-2 ego-state, manifesting in its “parts” P3, A3, C3, as well as the Parent-1 ego-state. Traditionally, research on the Cultural Parent, following P. Drego’s approach, involves deep immersion in a specific ethno-cultural environment (for Drego, this was Indian culture).

This present work proposes a non-traditional research method, involving the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) — artificial intelligence systems. The central idea is to trace differences in the resolution of ethical dilemmas by ChatGPT, depending on the ethno-cultural environment in which it was trained and functions (Petrovsky, 2023). Significant differences were identified in the solutions offered by ChatGPT within Russian and Uzbek cultures.

This article, dedicated to the memory of Mark Widdowson, explores the impact of late ADHD diagnosis on an individual’s life script. Describing the inner experience of clients with ADHD, their processing of grief, anger, and fear of rejection, becomes a key element of analysis and an important aspect of psychotherapeutic work with such patients. The article presents acase study of a therapy session with a female client suffering from ADHD and illustrates how her inner world, characterized by cognitive overload, is often perceived by others as laziness and indifference.

This paper discusses the specifics and treatment plan for passive-aggressive clients. The motives of passivity based on the work of Robert Ingram are discussed, and treatment methods described by Frances Bonds-White are proposed. Special attention is paid to the stages of therapy, including the establishment of an alliance, the restructuring of ego states and the granting of permits. The unresolved development tasks are reflected and the emphasis is placed on the triggers of change. The article emphasizes the importance of establishing a relationship with a client before solving problems of social control. Bonds-White emphasizes the importance of helping clients develop productivity skills, time management, and setting realistic goals. Therapy is aimed at changing the paradigm of receiving «strokes» from the outside world, encouraging the client to seek recognition for achievements rather than for his attempts.

This article includes an interview with Julia Poltavskaya—the author of the project dedicated to validation and modification of the Personality Adaptation Questionnaire (JPAQ) by Vann Joines (an ITAA-accredited teaching transactional analyst, licensed clinical psychologist, PhD, and president of the Southeast Institute for Group and Family Therapy in North Carolina, USA).

The speaker talks about the stages of the research project "Experience in Developing and Psychometric Approbation of the Russian-Language Version of the Personality Adaptation Questionnaire (JPAQ)", conducted in collaboration with the questionnaire's author, V. Joines. The original questionnaire’s author monitored all stages of the validation process for the professional licensed Russian version of the test (license holders of the modified Russian-language version — Vadim Petrovsky and Julia Poltavskaya).

The project was carried out under the academic supervision of Vadim Arturovich Petrovsky, Professor at the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE), Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Education (RAE).

In the interview, Julia Poltavskaya provides a detailed explanation of the respondent sampling process. At different stages of test validation, the study involved 300, 850, and 1,500 participants. A three-stage test modification with back-translation was implemented, and the methodology underwent retesting for validity within a permanent focus group of 343 individuals.

To examine internal structural validity, mathematical statistical methods were employed, including modern factor analysis techniques (Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling, ESEM) as well as advanced reliability indices such as Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega, and the Greatest Lower Bound (GLB) reliability.

Psychometric validation of the questionnaire was conducted with the participation of Evgeny Osin, PhD in Psychology, Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology, and Deputy Head of the International Laboratory of Positive Psychology of Personality and Motivation at HSE. The adapted test demonstrated Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.61 to 0.78 and GLB indices from 0.74 to 0.84. External validation (assessment of convergent and discriminant validity) was also performed using two methods: the Individual-Typological Questionnaire by Lyudmila Nikolayevna Sobchik and the Personality Belief Questionnaire (PBQ) by A. Beck, adapted by E. Rasskazova. The project adhered to the standards prescribed by the International Test Commission (ITC).

In this interview, Vann Joines, a colleague and co-author of Ian Stewart shares memories of his personality, professional activities, and contributions to the development of Transactional Analysis. The interviewer asks about their first encounters with Ian, the specifics of their collaboration, and the writing process of TA Today and Personality Adaptations. Vann describes Ian Stewart’s distinctive traits, his organization, intellectual focus, and reluctance to participate in social events. Special attention is given to his impact on the advancement of Transactional Analysis, his role in the European and British TA associations, and the experience of loss following his passing. This material offers a valuable perspective on the personality and legacy of one of the key figures in Transactional Analysis.

This paper focuses on the examination of the specific traits of individuals with Histrionic Adaptation as illustrated by male and female movie characters. The choice of characters of different genders stems from the fact that Histrionic Adaptation is often perceived exclusively as a female phenomenon. The author aims to dispel this myth and demonstrate that men also can exhibit driver behavior and script processes characteristic of this personality adaptation. Drawing on examples and commentary from Vann Joines and Ian Stewart’s book Personality Adaptations, the author systematically analyzes key features: primary driver, life positions, script processes, injunctions, and so on. The sharp and vivid observations provide a clear understanding of these character types even for readers unfamiliar with the movies discussed. So, this review will appeal to a broad audience.

A review by practicing psychologist Daria Mamchits of the book Tactics. Second Edition by Rosemary Napper and Trudi Newton. The author shares her impressions of reading the book, which reminded her of a textbook for coaches. The material lists some of the concepts used in the book, identifies the strengths and weaknesses. The author also shares a personal discovery from reading the book, related to the positive dramatic triangle.