Schlossbergs Transition Theory Jim Badger Courtney Smith Nick

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anticipated Transitions Graduation From College, Living Situation (move)

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

Unanticipated Transitions Deaths, Break-ups, Social Tragedies

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

Nonevents con’t Personal: individual aspirations n Ripple: experienced because of a nonevent of someone close n Resultant: caused by an event n 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? n

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

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

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

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

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

Situation con’t n Duration (permanent, temporary, or unknown? ) n Previous experience w/ similar transition (able to cope before? ) n Concurrent stress (other stressors? ) n Assessment (who is seen as responsible for the transition & how is behavior affected by this perception? )

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

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

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

Appling the 4 S’s n Situation, Self, Support & Strategies n Revisit Case Studies

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

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

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

Possible limitations n Not focusing on specific populations n GLBTQ n Students of color n Students with disabilities n International students

Relevance to SAHE Professionals n Increase in adult learners n Transition can be the reason for enrollment in higher n n n 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!

Conclusion n Thank you for your time, participation, and attention! n Questions? n 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-Di. Brito, 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.