Characteristics of “Parent, Adult, Child” Couple Interactions

In interpersonal relationships we interact with each other out of one of  3 states. In the Child state we are playful, do not have responsibilities and needs direction.  When in the Parent state, we care for another, give directives,and problem solve for another. In the adult state we are mature, independent and relate to another as an equal while problem solving.  We do our best problem solving when we are both in our Adult state.  Fights and miscommunication tend to occur when we are operating when in different states (e.g.one in the Parent state while the other responds from their Child state).