Impact of Occupation on Ego States: A Transactional Analysis between Teachers and Non-Teachers

Abstract

Purpose- The researchers aim to study the ego states of teachers and non-teachers to understand whether there is any significant difference in their ego states due to the impact of occupation. Hypothesis for the current study, based on Transactional analysis framework, says that, occupation influences the communication pattern which would accumulate the psychological energy in a particular ego state. This depends on the response to a situation, as perceived by the individuals, due to their job profiles. Methodology- A questionnaire called “My ego states on a typical day” (based on structural analysis of ego states by Eric Berne using an ego gram) was shared with two independent groups of respondents.  They include 30 teachers working in a private degree college and 30 corporate employees, both working in Hyderabad.  The results were analyzed using Mann-Witney U Test. Findings- The results show that there is a significant difference between teachers and non-teachers in Parent, Child and Adult ego states.  The findings are further discussed and interpreted. Originality- The findings are based on the analysis of the responses from a questionnaire and by generating Egograms based on the raw scores.