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?
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?
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
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.