Possible Levels of Analysis of Game Behavior in Historical Psychology

Abstract

Objectives. To discuss the possibilities of applying concepts and methods of transactional analysis in studying of behavior descriptions presented in historical narratives. Background. The modern research corps of historical and psychological research is composed of works performed from the standpoint of various methodological approaches. The actual necessity is the terminological coordination of concepts used in paradigms of different scientific approaches is noted. Мethodology. The phenomenon of social play is considered as an example of an interdisciplinary field of research. A comparison of the psychotherapeutic concept of the game by E. Bernе and the cultural concept of the game by Y. Huizinga is made. The key elements of game behavior that are highlighted in each approach are compared. The terminological structure of both approaches is compared. The article considers the interpretation of the concepts of “game” and “ritual” in both authors, their approaches to the analysis of scenario planning and intergenerational transmission of behavior patterns. The possibility of using the concepts of both approaches in the framework of historical and psychological problems as part of a consistent term system is revealed. Taking into account the intergenerational mechanism of games broadcasting and life scenarios based on them, the prospects for applying the analysis of social games in historical psychology are discussed. This consideration is illustrated by an example of cross-cultural transmission of social game and associated values’ dynamics, based on data from historical and literary studies. Сonclusions. It is possible to use the concepts and principles of transactional analysis in research of the behavior of people of the past. The use of several levels of analysis covering different scopes of relationships (interpersonal, group, intergroup/macrogroup) will allow us to trace the general behavior (structure of interactions) and specific features (context, social environment, transmission features). The study is preliminary in nature.