Script (psychology)

The term script is used in cognitive psychology and transactional analysis. In cognitive psychology, the term describes a scheme of action or rules that describe a certain action . In the area of ​​transaction analysis, it is to be understood as a kind of life plan, according to which a person shapes his life.

Cognitive psychology

In the context of cognitive psychology, scripts are script-like event sequences that are stored in long-term memory and determine the sequence of events in certain situations and contexts. For example, shaking hands in greeting .

Structure, structure and roles

A script can be structured in terms of time and hierarchy . A well-known example is the restaurant script: It prescribes how a restaurant visit works and consists of "enter the restaurant", "choose and order food", "eat a dish", "pay and tip" and "Leave restaurant" (can be expanded as required). The individual components show the chronological sequence and can be broken down into further partial scripts (e.g. the component "Select and order food" can be broken down, how you choose the food, call the operator, etc.).

A script can contain different roles , as the same person behaves differently in the restaurant, depending on whether they are a guest , waitress or cook . It is also possible that a script contains specializations ( branches for more specific sub-scripts). So it makes a difference whether the guest chooses the seat in the respective country or is assigned by the waitress.

Social and cultural importance

The knowledge that a script offers is used for orientation in frequently occurring situations (people agree on what to do when greeting) and thus offers security . However, with different cultural backgrounds, this can also cause problems, as one person assumes that you will shake hands in greeting while another person expects a hug or a kiss on the cheek.

Transaction analysis

A script in the sense of transactional analysis is a script, a life plan or an unconscious program by which an individual lives. A person's preferred transactions and psychological games are expressions of their scripts. These contain personal attitudes, benchmarks and statements about self-esteem. They determine the person's possibilities to develop and to cope with conflicts. By analyzing the scripts, these can be made aware and, under certain circumstances, changed.

The components of the script include both overt and subtle indoctrinations by the parents. Striking transactions (messages) are “not growing up” or “be a failure” . The instructions are given through demonstration, direct or non-verbal guidance, or through rules of life. "Favorite feelings" arise. Sadness can become a “favorite feeling” if the child is always “caressed” when it is sad.

The script analysis attempts to uncover these unconscious life plan.

Web links

• Dorsch - Lexicon of Psychology Entry to script

literature

• Schank, R. & Abelson, R. (1977). Scripts, plans, goals, and understanding. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.