INKOVEMA Podcast „Well through time“

#61 – Relationship needs

A transactional analysis concept for understanding relationship dynamics.

In conversation with Christine Behrens

Well through time. The podcast about mediation, conflict coaching and organisational consulting.

Christine Behrens, qualified theologian, teaching transactional analyst and currently Chair of the Board of the German Society for Transactional Analysis (DGTA).

Contents:

  • The concept of relational needs, developed by Richard Erskine and Rebecca Trautman, builds on E. Berne's concept of basic needs. It further formulates Berne's concept of hunger and emphasises the interpersonal relationship as the starting and end point of (inter)human needs.

  • The eight relationship needs

    1. Security (Security)
    2. Feeling valued, affirmed and important (valuing)
    3. Being protected and accepted, acceptance
    4. Confirmation of personal experiences (Mutuality)
    5. Self-definition, confirmation of uniqueness (self-definition)
    6. Self-efficacy, having an impact on others (making an impact)
    7. Others may also show initiative (Others take the Initiative)
    8. Express love (To Express Love)

Literature:

  • Erskine, R.: Relationship needs, in: ZTA 2008, 287-297.
  • Küster, Chr: Tracking down relational needs, in: Weigel, Handbuch der TA in der Mediation, 2014.
  • Seidenfus, Chr.: The eight relationship needs according to R. Erskine in a professional context. A workshop report, ZTA 3/2020, 230-238.

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