Games People Play
By Eric Berne
The Psychology of Human Relationships. Grove Press, 1964.
Summary of Games People Play book by Eric Berne
A psychoanalytical analysis of the relationships between people with an emphasis on spouses, parents, and children, and the manipulative “games” they play to get what they really want.
Chapters in Games People Play book summary
What do you get from this book? A deeper understanding of human behavior, relationships, and the subconscious mind
The “ego” is made up of child, adult, and parent states that interact through a series of actions called “transactions”
Rituals and procedures create social “pastimes” that are stereotypical but honest, whereas games are meant to deceive
Life Games are long-term investments meant to manipulate others in order to fulfill an unconscious need
Marital Games are short-term games meant to deceive and gain victory
Sexual Games arouse jealousy and arguments by manipulating carnal desires
Party Games revolve around pastimes and often seek to gain sympathy or control
Underworld Games deal with criminals while Consulting Room Games involve psychologists and social workers
Good Games manipulate people but with positive results; to shed games altogether, you must become self-aware
To shed games altogether, you must become self-aware, but it’s difficult when dealing with “sulks” and “jerks”
Summary of the key insights
Selected critiques in brief
Final word
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Games People Play — Book Summary Snapshot
Who should read Games People Play book
- Psychologists
- married or dating couples
- sociologists
- marriage counselors
About the author of Games People Play
Eric Berne
Author and psychologist Eric Berne received his medical education in Canada before moving to America, where he trained in psychology. Berne devoted his professional life to the study of human behavior, has written more than 30 books, and is the originator of “transactional analysis theory,” an idea that garnered him much attention.
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