An Overview of Transition Theory from and Adult Learning and Leadership Lens

1. An Overview of
Transition Theory
Dr. Kecia Brown McManus, President and Managing Director
From
Counseling Adults in Transition
By Jane Goodman, Nancy Schlossberg and Mary Anderson

2. Purpose of Presentation
The purpose of this presentation is to
highlight the work on Transition Theory by
the three authors, as well as to provide
information to aid in the ability to better
cope with life transitions.
Overview: Transition Theory 2

3. Assumptions
• People experience transitions at every stage of life.
• Many adults have difficulty managing transition.
• Thus, they are unable to figure out what “supports
and challenges (Drago-Severson, 2002)” they need
in order to effectively deal with transition(s).
Overview: Transition Theory 3

4. Self Situation
SupportStrategies
Derived from Goodman, Schlossberg and Anderson (2006). Counseling Adults in Transition.
Coping Resources: The 4S’s

5. •Social Support
• Types: intimate, family
unit, friendship, network,
institutional
• Convoy/C.o.S.
• Function
• Options
• Coping Responses
• Functions
• Strategies: information
seeking, direct action,
inhibition of action
•Characteristics of Event or Non-
event
• Trigger
• Timing
• Control/source
• Role change
• Duration
• Previous experience
• Concurrent stress
• Personal Characteristics
• Psychological Resources
Self Situation
SupportStrategies
Derived from Goodman, Schlossberg and Anderson (2006). Counseling Adults in Transition.
Coping Resources
The 4S’s

6. •Social Support
•Types: intimate, family
unit, friendship,
network, institutional
•Convoy (C.o.S.)
•Function/Options
• Coping Responses
• Functions
• Strategies: information
seeking, direct action,
inhibition of action
• Characteristics of
Event or Non-event
• Trigger
• Timing
• Control/source
• Role change
• Duration
• Previous experience
• Personal Characteristics
• Psychological Resources
Self Situation
SupportStrategies
Derived from Goodman, Schlossberg and Anderson (2006). Counseling Adults in Transition.
Concurrent stressors
Experiencing multiple causes of
stress at the same time. Ex. New job,
new surroundings, new relationships,
change in role, financial concerns,
health, etc.
NOTE: Can be viewed as positive
and/or negative based on person’s
point of view.

7. • Who and/or what is
around you to help
you through the
transition?
• How do you respond
to transition? What
do you do?
• What happened (or
didn’t happen)? When
did it occur? What
“space” were you in
when it occurred (or
did not occur)?
• Who are you and how
do you process
transition?
Self Situation
SupportStrategies
Derived from Goodman, Schlossberg and Anderson (2006). Counseling Adults in Transition.
Coping Resources
The 4S’s

8. Personal Characteristics &
Psychological Resources
(assets and liabilities/resources and deficits)
•Personal and demographic characteristics
•Socioeconomic Status
•Gender/Gender identity
•Age/Stage of Life
•Ethnicity/Culture
•Psychological resources
•Outlook-options and self-efficacy
•Commitment and values
•Spirituality and resiliency
Self
Overview: Transition Theory 8

9. Review of the Self
•Can you tolerate ambiguity?
•Are you an optimists? Do you see the glass as
half full, half empty, other?
•Do you blame yourself for what happens?
•Do you feel in control of your responses to the
transitions?
•Do you believe that your efforts will affect the
outcomes of a particular course of action?
•Do you have a sense of meaning and purpose?
Self
Overview: Transition Theory 9

10. Review of Situation
•What triggered it?
•Was it at a good time in your life?
•Did you initiate the transition or did it happen to you?
•Did you experience a role change? Is the transition permanent or
temporary?
•Have you had previous experience with similar transitions, and if so,
were they helpful or harmful?
•Are you experiencing stress in other areas of life?
•Do you assess the transition as positive, negative, or
inconsequential? Situation
Overview: Transition Theory 10

11. Social Support
• Types: intimate, family unit, friendship,
network, institutional
• Convoy/Circle of Support
• Function
• Options
Support
Overview: Transition Theory 11

12. Review of Social Support
• Are you getting what you need for this transition in terms
of Affirmation? Aid?
• Do you have a range of types of support-spouse or
partner, other close family or friends, coworkers?
Colleagues? Neighbors, organizations, strangers, and
institutions?
• Have your support systems or “convoy of social support”
been interrupted by this transition?
• Do you feel the support system for this transition is a low
or a high resource?
Support
Overview: Transition Theory 12

13. Coping Responses
Three Types of Coping:
1. Responses that modify the situation
(action/inaction)
2. Responses that control the meaning of the
problem to cognitively neutralize the threat
(reframing)
3. Responses that help the individual manage
stress after it has occurred to aid in adapting
to current stress without being overcome by it
(self-care)
Strategies
Overview: Transition Theory 13

14. Coping ResponsesStrategies
Overview: Transition Theory
What are the variables
characterizing the particular
situation in terms of timing,
assessment and duration?
What are the personal and
demographic characteristics of
the individual at the time of the
transition (the Self)?
Is the individual sick or well? What is the individual’s level of
ego development, personality and
outlook?
What coping strategies they use? What types of support does the
individual have?
What are their actual and perceived
options?
14

15. Your Personal Council
Advisory Board Board of Directors
Consists of peers who may be able to
help you think through a situation.
May have personal data that may
prove useful as you make your
decisions.
They may have experience in area
where assistance is needed, however
they have limited resources and
“reach.”
More knowledgeable group that may
have experience in area where assistance
is needed in addition to access to
various resources.
Overview: Transition Theory 15

16. Reflection for Action:
Thinking through Your Transition
Think about a
transition you
are currently
experiencing.
Identify any
stressors
and/or barriers
(physical or
psychological)
you may be
encountering
during the
transition.
Considering the
transition
through the
lens of the 4S’s,
which areas do
you feel most
supported?
Which areas
would you like
to see/create
greater support
in order to aid
in coping with
the transition?
Prepare a list of
your personal
“Advisory
Board” and
“Board of
Directors”
Brainstorm
about how
these
individuals and
other resources
can best aid you
in managing the
transition.
Overview: Transition Theory 16

17. References
• Drago-Severson, E. (2004). Becoming adult learners:
Principles and practices for effective development. Teachers
College Press: NY.
• Goodman, J. Schlossberg, N. and Anderson, M.
(2006). Counseling adults in transition. Springer
Publishing: NY.
Overview: Transition Theory 17

18. Contact Me
• Please feel free to contact me via:
• Email: brown@kingstonbaygroup.com
• Facebook: Kingston Bay Group
• Website: www.kingstonbaygroup.com
Overview: Transition Theory 18

19. Final Word
Embrace change.
Overview: Transition Theory 19