Transactional Analysis Research Articles

Communicative linguistics through the lens of gestalt theory

Relevance. The relevance of this study is conditioned upon the importance of developing communicative competence, exploring communicative tactics and strategies used in dialogic speech, effective correlation of verbal and nonverbal codes, specifically the coexistence of various syntactic constructions within the text field. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to consider linguistic means, namely syntactic structures of a simple and complex sentence, using a gestalt approach with the allocation of the centre (figure) and periphery (ground). Methodology. The main method of research is theoretical understanding of problems related to communicative activity, using evidence from modern scientific studies, the use of transactional, structural, pragmatic, and linguistic analysis of verbal and nonverbal components during communicative activity. Results. This paper analyses the development of key gestalt structures using the examples of the most used syntactic constructions in communicative practice, specifically predicate and non-predicate simple and complex sentences. The study identified key gestalt structures in dialogic speech (interrogative, emotive, elliptical), with examples of basic syntactic constructions. Attention was focused on the functional use of key speech acts (expressiveness, representation) and communicative tactics (hyperbolisation, increasing and decreasing significance, self-presentation, juxtaposition). The role of nonverbal ways of transmitting information, social factors in the choice of linguistic means in the aspect of communicative load and communicative significance is indicated. Conclusions. Gestalt techniques in communication prove effective for addressing psychological issues and enhancing communicative impact. Keywords: simple sentence; syntactic structure; figure; ground; speech act

Revolutionizing Uzbekistan's Banking Sector Through Fintech Innovations

This study investigates the impact of fintech integration on Uzbekistan's banking sector, against the backdrop of the nation's economic transition towards diversification. Utilizing data analysis, we examine trends in QR-online transactions to uncover shifting consumer behaviors and the strategic implications for banking operations. Findings suggest a significant opportunity for banks to capitalize on digital payment solutions, with implications for enhancing operational efficiency and fostering financial inclusion. The study underscores the importance of proactive engagement with fintech innovations to drive sustainable growth and competitiveness within Uzbekistan's evolving financial landscape. Highlights: Digital Payment Potential: QR-online transaction analysis reveals opportunities for banks to leverage fintech for enhanced efficiency. Strategic Engagement: Proactive fintech adoption can drive sustainable growth in Uzbekistan's evolving financial landscape. Financial Inclusion Drive: Embracing digital solutions fosters accessibility, aiding in the inclusion of underserved populations. Keywords: Fintech, Banking Sector, QR-Online Transactions, Consumer Behaviors, Financial Inclusion

The role of digital status in adult child–parent relationships in European comparative perspective

The increasing significance of technology-mediated social interactions gives rise to optimistic expectations that digitalisation leads to various overwhelmingly positive outcomes in all walks of life. Our study relies on the European Social Survey 10th wave data (2020–22) to investigate the role of digital status in the relationship between adult children and parents in 30 countries. We found media multiplexity in adult child–parent relationships to be coupled in interesting and partly counterintuitive ways with our novel measure of digital status that captures digital skills and the outcomes of ICT use. The country-specific binary logistic regression models revealed that digital skills and the emotional benefits of ICT use have a central role in using new and old technologies, whereas a positive practical outcome of ICT use decreased the frequency of adult child–parent contact. By shaping the opportunities of doing family digitally, the skills and outcomes aspects of digital status have independent roles in a key segment of intergenerational relationships of adult family members.

RegTech innovations streamlining compliance, reducing costs in the financial sector

Regulatory Technology (RegTech) innovations are reshaping the landscape of compliance within the financial sector, presenting opportunities for institutions to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs. This paper examines the impact of RegTech solutions by focusing on their capacity to streamline compliance processes and mitigate expenses associated with regulatory adherence. Through a qualitative research methodology that includes case studies and expert interviews, the study explores the various dimensions of RegTech applications, ranging from identity verification and risk management to fraud prevention and regulatory reporting. Key findings indicate that RegTech tools leverage advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain to automate complex compliance tasks, thereby reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing human error. These technologies facilitate real-time monitoring and analysis of transactions, which enhances compliance accuracy and operational efficiency. Furthermore, the paper reveals that the adoption of RegTech solutions significantly lowers compliance costs by optimizing resource allocation and reducing the time and labor traditionally required for compliance-related activities. The study concludes that RegTech innovations hold the potential to transform the financial sector's approach to compliance management. By embracing these technologies, financial institutions can not only ensure regulatory compliance more effectively but also achieve considerable cost savings. The paper calls for further research into the long-term impacts of RegTech adoption on the financial industry's regulatory landscape and suggests that regulatory bodies and financial institutions collaborate to foster an environment conducive to RegTech innovation and implementation.

Blockchain-Powered Lotteries - Unveiling the Mechanics of Fairness and Security

The integration of blockchain technology into lottery systems marks a significant shift in the pursuit of fairness and security. This research project delves into the intricacies of implementing blockchain in lotteries, focusing on understanding how technological innovations interact with fundamental principles of fairness and security. In our exploration, the literature review lays the groundwork by examining traditional lottery systems and past attempts to address inherent challenges. Through a critical analysis of existing research on blockchain in lotteries, we identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. The methodology then details our research design, the selection of a suitable blockchain framework, and the meticulous design of smart contracts integrated with robust randomness mechanisms. Moving on to the implementation phase, we discuss the development environment, tools used, and the seamless integration of blockchain into existing lottery infrastructures. Results and findings provide a comprehensive analysis of blockchain-powered lottery transactions, evaluating fairness, security, and overall system performance. A comparative study against traditional systems offers valuable insights, shedding light on potential advantages and challenges. A critical analysis scrutinizes the implementation against predefined objectives, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and addressing potential risks. Looking towards the future, we discuss opportunities for improvement, scalability solutions, regulatory considerations, and potential collaborations. Keywords—Blockchain, Lotteries, Fairness, Security, Smart Contracts.

Risk and resilience in the narratives of adult children of parents with psychosis

ABSTRACT Objective Children of parents with psychosis report feeling burdened and can experience poorer physical and mental health outcomes. Understanding the experience of adult children who were raised by a parent with psychosis in terms of risk of and resilience can inform how practitioners work holistically with the whole family. Method In-depth narrative interviews were conducted with adult children raised by a parent with psychosis. During the interview, participants were invited to tell their life story and how they felt their parent’s mental health had impacted them. Data were analysed using narrative methods. A core story was created for each participant and key themes were generated. Results Four female participants took part. Lucy described the resentment she held after seeing her mum change from a working mother to someone with mental health difficulties. Salma described how her father’s mental health was ‘normal’ for her and the stigma that affected her family. Hannah and Amelia described their own experiences of psychosis as adults and the interrelationship between a parent and child’s mental health. Discussion Multiple factors appear to influence the impact of a parent’s psychosis on children. These included the timing of the onset of psychosis, the extent of their exposure to the acute positive symptoms of psychosis, and the presence of a second parent who did not experience serious mental health difficulties. Healthcare professionals working with parents have a unique opportunity to work holistically with the family to modify the impact of parental psychosis on children.

A non-cooperative game approach on isolated water-energy microgrids

The integration of renewable energies into water systems emerges as a crucial challenge and an opportunity within the water-energy nexus, particularly in isolated communities, emphasizing the importance of developing sustainable and self-sufficient isolated water-energy microgrids (IWEMGs). This study addresses a significant gap in existing research by proposing a comprehensive model that simultaneously considers operation and dispatch in IWEMGs. Our work introduces a framework based on game theory to model and optimize resource management in IWEMGs, where actors, including consumers, producers, or prosumers, engage in a non-cooperative game (Cournot competition), enabling an effective resource allocation mechanism for water and energy that considers strategic interactions among participants. The application of this model to a case study in a rural community, known as Ranchería, in La Guajira, Colombia, demonstrates the practicality and effectiveness of IWEMGs in meeting the water and energy demands of users. The model is implemented and solved using the GAMS software. Our quantitative results show optimal performance in resource management, highlighting the model’s ability to facilitate informed decision-making. Through a detailed analysis of water and energy transactions and the net benefits achieved, the study illustrates the potential of game theory to enhance the operational performance of IWEMGs. Furthermore, this research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable resource management, offering insights that could guide the development of policies and strategies for implementing IWEMGs in similar contexts globally.

Criticize my Code, not me: Using AI-generated Feedback in Computer Science Teaching

Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT can help teachers to tailor learning tasks for their students, combining learning objectives and storytelling to raise interest in the subject. AI-based learning task design can help to support competency-based learning, especially for girls in STEM courses like computer science, where otherwise the “Leaky STEM pipeline” (Speer 2023) leads to a constant loss of female students over school time. LLMs support many steps of the creation cycle of learning tasks. One important step is the feedback process between teachers and students during and after solving the tasks. Students need person-related as well as process-related feedback to make progress. Sometimes problems occur when teachers give feedback in a way that embarrasses or hurts the students. Especially female students often need more confirmation to make them aware of their progress, but studies show that boys demand and get more attention by teachers in this situation. This is one of the many reasons why girls lose motivation and interest in STEM courses over time. Since male and female teachers differ in expressing feedback without being aware of it, it is necessary to raise their consciousness. LLMs like ChatGPT can be used in two scenarios here. The first scenario is helping teachers to formulate objective feedback in a way that is adequate and understandable for the target group – e.g., young girls or boys - in a specific situation. The second scenario is training the teacher in a Socratic way, where the LLM simulates a student receiving the feedback and reacting to it according to established communication models like the Four Ears-model by Schulz von Thun (Schulz von Thun 1981) or Berne’s Transactional Analysis (Berne, 1964). This case study provides examples and prompting schemes for both scenarios and discusses the fragile balance between avoiding gender stereotypes in LLMs and giving more helpful and sustainable feedback for female students to foster self-esteem and competency-awareness.

Review of methods for determining the date of objective bankruptcy

The article highlights the practical aspects of the application of the Methodology for Determining the Date of Objective Bankruptcy, formulated in Resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court No. 53 dated December 21, 2017 and some scientific articles. The advantages and disadvantages of the methodology, as well as the need to supplement the Methodology for Determining the Date of Objective Bankruptcy with an analysis of the debtor's transactions, are shown.

3D-Animated Cartoon Instructional Package and Effective Teaching of Selected Topics in Financial Accounting in Pubic Secondary Schools, South-South, Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine the difference in students’ academic performance in financial accounting when taught using 3D-cartoon animation package and a conventional approach. The selected topics for the study include transaction analysis, accounting equation, cash book and ledger. The research design the researchers adopted for this study was quasi quasi-experimental method and the area of the study was South-South, Nigeria. The population of the study consisted of 242,052. The sample size was 192 and a purposive sampling technique was used for the study. The Financial Accounting Achievement Test (FAAT) was used to collect data for the study. The internal consistency index of .92 was obtained using test-retest. The data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer research questions and ANCOVA to test the null hypotheses at .05 level of significance. Among other recommendations made was that the government should encourage schools to embrace the latest teaching strategies by way of providing the 3D instructional package for use in schools.

An Abnormal Account Identification Method by Topology Feature Analysis for Blockchain-Based Transaction Network

Cryptocurrency, as one of the most successful applications of blockchain technology, has played a vital role in promoting the development of the digital economy. However, its anonymity, large scale of cryptographic transactions, and decentralization have also brought new challenges in identifying abnormal accounts and preventing abnormal transaction behaviors, such as money laundering, extortion, and market manipulation. Recently, some researchers have proposed efficient and accurate abnormal transaction detection based on machine learning. However, in reality, abnormal accounts and transactions are far less common than normal accounts and transactions, so it is difficult for the previous methods to detect abnormal accounts by training with such an imbalance in abnormal/normal accounts. To address the issues, in this paper, we propose a method for identifying abnormal accounts using topology analysis of cryptographic transactions. We consider the accounts and transactions in the blockchain as graph nodes and edges. Since the abnormal accounts may have special topology features, we extract topology features from the transaction graph. By analyzing the topology features of transactions, we discover that the high-dimensional sparse topology features can be compressed by using the singular value decomposition method for feature dimension reduction. Subsequently, we use the generative adversarial network to generate samples like abnormal accounts, which will be sent to the training dataset to produce an equilibrium of abnormal/normal accounts. Finally, we utilize several machine learning techniques to detect abnormal accounts in the blockchain. Our experimental results demonstrate that our method significantly improves the accuracy and recall rate for detecting abnormal accounts in blockchain compared with the state-of-the-art methods.

Vadim Petrovsky: “Berne Himself Left Injunctions Against Empirical Research to His Successors, and It’s Time for Us to Circumvent These Injunctions”

Interview with Vadim Arturovich Petrovsky, Doctor of Psychological Sciences, Professor, Corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Education, psychologist in the modality of transactional analysis, about the synthesis of psychological practice and scientific research in the field of psychology in general and transactional analysis in particular. In this interview, issues such as the willingness of practicing psychologists of the transactional analysis modality to conduct their own research and scientific experiments are raised, the difficulties of modern psychological science, the connection and interpenetration of the practice and theory of transactional analysis are discussed. The interview also talks about the objective limitations of transactional analysis as a scientific method and the subjective characteristics of practicing psychologists in terms of writing scientific articles and conducting research. The conversation between the editor-in-chief of the journal “Transactional Analysis in Russia” and Vadim Petrovsky touched upon unexplored topics and areas of development of TA and its concepts as objects of scientific research for the psychological community not only in Russia, but also in the world. Which fields (Counseling, Psychotherapy, Education, TA in Organisations) and concepts of Transactional Analysis are most ready today to bridge the gap from practice to theory and vice versa?

Keeping Sexuality in Therapeutic Contact

The article discusses the significance of sexuality in psychotherapy and its insufficient coverage within Transactional Analysis (TA). The ideas from Bill Cornell’s seminar “Keeping Sexuality in Therapeutic Contact” (January 2024) and Carole Shadbolt’s article “Sexuality and Shame” (Shadbolt, 2009) are used in the article. Historical factors influencing TA’s approach to sexuality and Wilhelm Reich’s ideas are also considered. Special attention is given to the interplay between sexuality and shame, as well as ways to address shame in psychotherapy, particularly within transactional analysis. A new approach is proposed, suggesting a reexamination of classical concepts of transactional analysis. The article emphasizes the importance of openly discussing sexuality with clients at the initial stages of therapy and provides a series of questions that would be beneficial for practitioners to begin this exploration. It views sexuality as a foundational force influencing the formation of life scripts and life positions. The article also examines sexuality (erotism) in infancy and how this experience shapes personality and interpersonal relationships.

The Elements of the Life Script and Neurobiology

This article is based on the speech ”The Seven Elements of the Life Script” at the MIR-TA (International Institute of Developmental Transactional Analysis, IIDTA) Student Conference, which was held in July 2023. In this paper, the author relies on Tony White’s article “The Life Script Heptagon” (2022), as well as works of Adriana Montheiro and Louis Kozolino on the topic of neuroscience. Advances in neuroscience may now provide new insights into the concept of the life script proposed by Eric Bern. The motivation of the client to change and study his life script is in the locus of control of a psychologist working in the modality of transactional analysis. The purpose of the author is to analyse a new view on the constituent components of a life script and to raise the question: what is the main target in the work of a psychologist in different methods of psychotherapy, as well as studying the connection between the script process and new research in the field of neuroscience, which will expand the understanding of the life script for more productive work.

Pedagogical Work with Children with Increased Anxiety: Educational Approach in Transactional Analysis

This article discusses the problem of increased anxiety in children and options for pedagogical work with them. Anxiety, being the personal basis for the systematic reactions of a child with emotional and physiological stress to family and school situations, can cause the formation of various psychosomatic diseases, therefore, the prevention of anxiety reactions, the creation of a comfortable learning and personal development environment are also a means of preventing diseases and preserving the health of the nation. The author examines the possible causes of increased anxiety in children and gives specific recommendations for teachers and parents on how to support a child in difficult situations and stabilize his or her emotional state.

Conceptualisation of Kurt Levin’s Field Theory in the Transactional Analysis Paradigm

The development of personality psychology requires solving a number of methodological problems, one of which is the need to create a unified model of motivation behind the behavior of individuals. Thus, the ideas of Kurt Lewin have been becoming more and more popular these days, as he was the one who set himself the task of creating and proving the existence of the “Field Theory”, a unified theory of motivation that takes into account not only the internal factors behind behavior, but also the entire complexity of the sociocultural dynamics of reality that influences the individual in a moment. Within the framework of modern transactional analysis as a theory of personality, similar attempts are also made. This article aims to conceptualise the phenomenon of Kurt Lewin’s “field theory” in the paradigm of transactional analysis to describe the main theoretical approaches to understanding the phenomena included in the “field theory”, and compare these elements with selected psychological concepts of the school of transactional analysis. This study examines and compares such phenomena as: communication of charged systems and hidden ulterior transactions, personal life space and structural and functional models of the ego, existence within the field state and temporary symbiosis. This research paper also proposes an analogue of a psychotherapeutic plan based on the model of field change, constructed by Kurt Lewin. Understanding the field theory within the framework of selected TA concepts described in this article can allow transactional analysts to use the ideas of K. Lewin as a basis for developing and creating new theoretical models of motivation for individuals and groups.

A Thinking Person is Simply Obliged to Do This From Time to Time

An introductory speech from the editor-in-chief of the journal ”Transactional Analysis in Russia”. The article also provides an overview of the content of the journal’s spring issue no. 7 (volume 4, issue 1, 2024).

Vasily Puzikov: “Every Person Can Be Effective, Can Be Better, and His or Her Desires are Already Sufficient”

Interview with Vasily Grigoryevich Puzikov, a practicing psychologist, associate professor at St. Petersburg State University, author of books and trainings, about his experience of learning and development in the framework of transactional analysis, the history of TA in Russia, the specifics of training and the vision of the profession. Vasily Grigorievich talks about his experience of teaching in various programs, both at universities and on the basis of additional seminars for psychologists. He shares his experience in creating trainings for a wide audience, which are based on one of the key concepts of transactional analysis — the concept of the life script. One of the main ideas he adheres to is that group work can be much more effective than individual work. How and why is described in this article. From the content of the interview, you can also learn about what programs are planned for the near future, and about the features of teaching and learning from Vasily Grigoryevich.

Maya Lutay: “What a Person Needs to Remember and Learn, First of All, Should be Interesting”

An interview with Lutay Maya Vladimirovna, a certified trainer, CTA, PTSTA in the field of Psychotherapy, about how she chose the modality of transactional analysis, the areas of her work and the peculiarities of teaching.

The Influence of Meaningful Permissions on the Ability to Be Intimate and Autonomous on the Path Of Self-Realisation. Overview of a Book by Pearl Drego «Happy Family. Parenting Through Family Rituals»

Permissions as supportive messages are a unique antidote to all the destructive inhibitions that guide us in not choosing intimacy, spontaneity, and autonomy. This idea has evolved into the famous 3P (Potency, Protection, Permission) method, a specific method of psychotherapeutic work in the modality of transactional analysis. Pearl Drego expands on this idea and proposes to look at the topic of permissions through the unique perspective of Indian philosophy, which places great emphasis on family, community, and closeness in the clan. Permissions do not exist on their own, nor do injunctions, they cannot be contracted solely through empathy and mirror neurons. It is a kind of sacrament for the inner Child, ready or not ready to accept something important for its development from significant people around. The same resolution will have different meanings for people with different experiences, cultural backgrounds, and ages. This article provides an overview of Pearl Drego’s work on the use of permission messages through family rituals, which promotes cohesion and tenderness among loved ones. The author also presents two client cases from her own practice. The first describes the mechanism of how permission works in a family system dominated by injunctions from the parental introject. The second one shows the impact of antiscript on the quality of life and the possibility of overcoming it.