Below is a summary of each of the TA Ego State Maps listed here for easy reference. This map-of-maps (diagrams) -- or "Meta-Map" -- is a good example of what I mean when I refer to the Internet-of-the-Mind as neural networks...embedded in networks ...embedded in networks...and so on.
First Order Ego States MapThe three primary Ego-States of TA are the Parent Ego-State, The Adult Ego-State, and the Child Ego-State.
The Parent Ego State (aka, neural network), contains the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors "taken in" from external sources - primarily parents.
Outwardly, the Parent is often expressed towards others in prejudicial, critical, or nurturing behavior -- from Second Position. Inwardly, it's experienced as old parental messages which continue to influence the inner Child...some good messages and some limiting to the person.
The Adult Ego State is not related to a person's age... It's oriented in the present and can be comparable to a computer in that it's in charge of executive functioning -- i.e., decision-making, problem-solving, etc.
The Adult is organized, adaptable, intelligent, and functions by testing reality, estimating probabilities, and computing dispassionately - from Third Position.
The Child ego state contains all the impulses that come naturally to a child... the Child is creative, adventuresome, spontaneous, curious, affectionate and so on.
The Child loves to giggle, laugh, have fun and enjoy the simple things in life. It can also be a "brat" or "whine" when it doesn't get it's way. The Child lives in First Position and is the network that contains our feelings, wants, and needs.
Second Order Ego States Map
The P2, A2, and C2 in Second Order Structural Analysis are the ideal healthy representations of the Parent, Adult, and Child in the fully developed and well-adjusted adult.
The healthy Parent-in-the-adult (P2) is "all-about-the-child", they nurture and protect the children. This is strictly a healthy use of Second Position by the ideal parent.
The healthy Adult-in-the-adult (A2) is wise, mature, makes good decisions by consulting the other states and generally acts on behalf of the whole person whenever executive functions must be carried out. Healthy use of Third Position.
The healthy Child-in-the-adult (C2) is the ideal representation of a well-adjusted Child ES... a non-wounded Child with no issues from the past... The healthy use of First Position.
P1 = Parent-in-the-child or the Adapted Child
A1 = Adult-in-the-child or the Little Professor
C1 = Child-in-the-child or the Natural Child
