2' - I'm OK—You're OK

This text is an excerpt from Thomas A. Harris's 1969 book, I'm OK—You're OK, which popularized Transactional Analysis (TA). TA uses three ego states (Parent, Adult, Child) to explain interpersonal communication, arguing that unhealthy relationships stem from early childhood experiences. Harris simplified the TA theories of Eric Berne, making them accessible to a wider audience. The book explores four life positions (e.g., "I'm not OK—You're OK") shaped by these early experiences and offers TA as a tool for self-improvement and healthier relationships. The excerpt further discusses applications of TA in various contexts, including marriage counseling, parenting, and addressing societal problems like violence.