The Game Grid

Stephen R Lankton

doi:10.29044/v12i1p3

Abstract

The author presents his own design of a Game Grid which can be overlaid on the original version of the circumplex attributed to Leary (1957). The original Interpersonal Check List (ICL) and associated axes and domains (sections) are retained as the purpose is to prompt individuals to explore their own behaviours and how these link to their life positions and the psychological games they may play. A short history of the ICL used is followed by the introduction of a modified OK Corral which recognises that there are some 'good' games, and a selection of psychological games is allocated to line up with the four major life positions. Appendices contain the materials, with links to other languages, and detailed instructions which will allow practitioners to apply the approach described. The author concludes with examples of how results may be interpreted and used to help individual clients and partners.

Highlights

Many years ago an Interpersonal Check List (ICL) was developed, based on extensive research, and intended to assist in the classification of individuals into forms of psychiatric diagnoses
Berne (1964) introduced the concept of psychological games and named many examples. He introduced the notion of life positions (Berne 1962), which was subsequently developed into the OK Corral (Ernst 1971) as a way to illustrate four positions
This paper describes how these initiatives have been further developed and combined to produce a process through which clients can be helped to identify the time spent by them in the various life positions, and the corresponding psychological games they 'play'

Summary

Introduction

Many years ago (mid-1950s) an Interpersonal Check List (ICL) was developed, based on extensive research, and intended to assist in the classification of individuals into forms of psychiatric diagnoses. Life positions, psychological games, OK Corral, Interpersonal Check List (ICL), game grid, circumplex, Introduction

Results

Conclusion