Schiffian Reparenting: 15 Years in the Early TA Literature (1961–1975)

Abstract Berne’s structural analysis of the personality’s ego states laid the groundwork for the conception of schizophrenia developed by the Schiffs and for their subsequent treatment approach through reparenting. For many years, the transactional analysis (TA) community has grappled with this arguably important aspiration to address the more severe psychological and behavioral symptoms in patients and clients as well as with the concerning ethical dilemmas that also emerged as a result of the practice of reparenting. This article outlines that community contention and struggle as reflected in the early TA literature over the course of 15 years (1961–1975). Yet much research and thinking remain to be done.