Transactional analysis guides prevention of psychosocial risks at work

An article on the use of transactional analysis to address psychosocial risks at work was published on Sept. 25, 2026, in the Revista Brasileira de Análise Transacional (the Brazilian Journal of Transactional Analysis). Signed by Carolina Schmitz da Silva and Maria Imaculada Gonçalves de Almeida, the text proposes improving communication and professional relationships as part of preventing illness in companies.

Titled Riscos psicossociais no trabalho e análise transacional (Psychosocial Risks at Work and Transactional Analysis), the study is part of volume 35 of the journal and combines a literature review with experience reports from teams and leaders. Among the factors it addresses are excessive targets, long working hours, harassment and lack of support.

Download Riscos psicossociais no trabalho e análise transacional (PDF, in Portuguese)

Developed by psychiatrist Eric Berne, this approach examines human behavior and interactions between people. In the publication, it works as a “relational grammar”: a set of concepts for understanding patterns of coexistence, recognizing conflicts and discussing change in the everyday life of organizations.

The model calls for mapping risk situations, drawing up preventive and corrective actions and monitoring results. Group activities include self-knowledge and reflection on the impact of one’s own attitudes on colleagues.

One of the central resources is the building of contracts, understood as explicit agreements on goals and forms of participation. Such commitments can help define responsibilities, negotiate deadlines compatible with working hours and establish procedures for resolving disagreements.

The authors also present a 38-question questionnaire designed to assess bonds with managers, team members and the institution itself. Still being validated, the instrument covers respect, trust, belonging and freedom to express needs. Its use is suggested before and after interventions, with participants’ confidentiality preserved.

The effectiveness of this method still needs to be verified in research. The contribution presented opens a possibility for investigation and underscores the importance of maintaining care for workers’ mental health, in addition to reviewing organizational policies and rules.