Life Positions is one of the basic concepts in transactional analysis. The idea behind life position is that it defines the way we perceive life, ourselves and people around us. Life positions, according to transactional analysis theorists, are used to justify the decisions we make about ourselves and about the people around us.

Life positions are also used to justify our behavior attitudes.

Life positions can be diagramed in multiple ways. Life positions were first diagramed by Franklyn Ernst who is known as the developer of OK Corral. Life Positions can be diagrammed in many different ways. Ernst diagrammed the life positions in a grid with four quadrants- each quadrant representing a particular life position.

Eric Berne, the man behind the transactional analysis theory, has discussed life positions as existential positions. According to Berne, we are likely to undergo these feelings when we are stressed. Also, life positions can change as we grow old and experience new things in life. Berne’s take on life position is significantly different from Ernst’s definition.

I’m not OK. You’re OK - The Depressive Position

I’m not OK. You’re OK is a short form of “everybody else is okay, but there’s something very wrong with me therefore I must hide myself and keep myself away from everyone else.” This life position is also called depressive position as it represents a depressive philosophy. As the description of this position tells, this life position is a very negative take on life. This position is a ‘get away from’ position.

These people generally have a very negative world view and they loathe themselves. These people are mostly sad and they feel they are stupid in comparison with others. These people generally underestimate their skills/ qualities and constantly degrade themselves for not being able to contribute enough. It’s a very problematic position.