Transition theory

Coping with Life Span Changes in Roles, Routines, Relationship, and Assumptions

1. Schlossberg’s
Transition Theory
Jim Badger, Courtney Smith,
Nick Hoover

2. Outline
History & Background of Theory
Adult Development Theory
What is a Transition?
3 Types of Transition
3 Adaptations
4 Factors for Coping
Questionnaire & Group Discussions
SAHE Applications

3. Schlossberg
Dr. Nancy K. Schlossberg
Bernard College, 1951
B.A. Sociology
Teachers College, Columbia University, 1961
Ed.D Counseling
University of Maryland
Professor Emeritus
Department of Counseling and Personnel Services

4. History of the Theory
“A model for analyzing human adaptation” in
The Counseling Psychologist, 1981
Revised in 1989 and 1995
Influenced by Erickson, Chickering, and
several others

5. Adult Development
Perspectives:
Contextual (impact of org on person)
Developmental (age, stage, domain)
Life Span (evaluate life experiences)
Transitional (cultural & social norms)

6. The Theory
Transition:
Any event or non-event that results in changed
relationships, routines, assumptions and/or
roles
Positive or Negative
Perception is key
The transition must be analyzed

7. Relevance
Insight into factors related to transition
 the individual, the environment & the
magnitude of the impact
Strategies to assist the transitioner
Learn of support available for coping
Learn to cope with life & the inevitable
transitions

8. 3 Types of Transition
1st Type
Anticipated transition:
Occur predictably
Examples of college student anticipated
transition?

9. Anticipated Transitions
Graduation From College, Living Situation (move)

10. 3 Types of Transition
2nd Type
Unanticipated transition:
Not predictable or scheduled
Examples of college student
unanticipated transition?

11. Unanticipated Transitions
Deaths,
Break-ups,
Social
Tragedies

12. 3 Types of Transition
3rd Type
Nonevents:
Expected transitions that don’t occur
4 categories of non-events

13. Nonevents con’t
Personal: individual aspirations
Ripple: experienced because of a
nonevent of someone close
Resultant: caused by an event
Delayed: anticipation of an event that
might still happen
-nonevents deal with probability and
not so much possibility (event has to
be likely to occur
Examples of nonevent transitions?

14. Job Offer, Promotion, Personal Life
Milestones (marriage, children)

15. Group Activity & Discussion
Case Studies
What kind of transition(s) for Amanda?
For Jacob?
For Pat?

16. Context and Impact
Context- one’s own relationship to the
transition and the setting
Work
Personal
Relationships
Impact- degree to which the transition alters
daily life

17. Transition Process
Growth or decline, occurs over a period of time
Series of phases including moving in, moving
through, and moving out
Effectiveness in coping depends on “assets” &
“liabilities”
Four Factors that influence coping, The 4 S’s
Situation
Self
Support
Strategies

18. Situation
Trigger (what caused the transition)
Timing (social view of, is it on time or
not? Good or bad?)
Control (what aspects of transition can
the individual control? The transition itself
or their reaction?)
Role change (has their role changed? Is
it good/gain or bad/loss?)

19. Situation con’t
Duration (permanent, temporary, or
unknown?)
Previous experience w/ similar transition
(able to cope before?)

Concurrent stress (other stressors?)
Assessment (who is seen as responsible
for the transition & how is behavior
affected by this perception?)

20. Self
Personal & demographic characteristics
(how does individual view life)
Socioeconomic status, gender, age, stage of
life, health, ethnicity
Psychological resources (aid for coping)
Ego development, outlook, commitment,
values

21. Support
Types (intimate, family, friends,
institutional/community)
Functions (affect, affirmation, aid, honest
feedback)
Measurement (role dependent, stable &
changing supports)

22. Strategies
This is the Coping Response
Categories (modify situation, control
meaning, manage stress in aftermath)
Coping modes (information seeking, direct
action, inhibition of action)
Multiple Methods + Flexibility = Effective Coper

23. Appling the 4 S’s
Situation, Self, Support & Strategies
Revisit Case Studies

24. Adaptation
3 variables
Individual’s perception of the transition
Characteristics of pre- and post-transition
environments
Characteristics of the individual experiencing
the transition

25. Integrating with Counseling
Relationship building (listening skills)
Assessment (environment, resources & coping skills)
Goal setting (use 4 S’s; modify environment-situation;
regain balance-self; support; develop a plan-strategy)
Interventions (change interpretation of meaning; assess
assets-self; referral to support group-support; problem solving-
strategy)
Termination & follow-up (review what has happened
& plan for next step)

26. Assessment Techniques
Transition Coping Questionnaire and
Transition Coping Guide are 2 tools available
Consider the transition and answer Likert
scale questions on the 4 S’s.

27. Possible limitations
Not focusing on specific populations
GLBTQ
Students of color
Students with disabilities
International students

28. Relevance to SAHE Professionals
Increase in adult learners
Transition can be the reason for enrollment in higher
education
Aiding a transition can improve retention,
involvement, alumni support
Support/assessment for college athletes (injury, not
making team)
Taught to RAs, student org officers, student leaders,
orientation/ FYE programs, graduating seniors
Numerous applications for adult students and for
traditionally-aged students
Facilitates understanding and action for resolution &
growth!

29. Conclusion
Thank you for your time, participation, and
attention!
Questions?
References:
Chickering, A. W., Schlossberg, N. K. (1998). Getting the most out of college.
Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Evans, N. J., Forney, D. S., Guido-DiBrito, F. (1998). Student development in
college: Theory, research, and practice. San Francisco: Jossey-
Bass.
Schlossberg, N. K. (1989). Overwhelmed: Life’s ups and downs. Lexington,
MA: Lexington Books.