TA in brief psychotherapy with college students

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychotherapy
• Educational Psychology

Background:

• Transactional Analysis (TA) offers an alternative to traditional crisis intervention in university mental health.
• TA emphasizes a learning model focused on problem-solving over a medical model centered on disease.
• The approach is well-suited for addressing developmental issues in adolescents and young adults, such as autonomy and identity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation and effectiveness of Transactional Analysis in brief psychotherapy for university students.
• To evaluate TA as a therapeutic and learning tool for young adults within a university setting.

Main Methods:

• Transactional Analysis was introduced as a treatment modality for university students in a large university's clinical setting.
• Staff clinicians received instruction in basic TA theories to facilitate its application.
• Student outcomes were assessed via a survey following treatment.

Main Results:

• Survey results indicate that Transactional Analysis is an effective tool for university students undergoing brief psychotherapy.
• The learning model inherent in TA proved advantageous for self-discovery and problem-solving among young adults.

Conclusions:

• Transactional Analysis serves as an effective therapeutic and learning modality for university students in brief psychotherapy.
• The study supports the use of TA for addressing developmental challenges and promoting problem-solving skills in young adults.