Discussion on the Transition Theory

• Types of transition
• Transition process
• Reflection on the 4S of Transition Theory

Types of transition
A transition is a process over time and has no end point and includes phases of
assimilation and continuous appraisal as people move in, through and out. We-adults
continuously go through transitions. Here are the types of transitions:

 Anticipated transitions: ones that occur predictably, such as graduation from

college
 Unanticipated transitions: not predictable or scheduled, such as divorce or
sudden death of a loved one  Non-events: transitions that are expected but do
not occur, such as failure to be admitted to medical school  Personal non-event:
related to individual aspirations
 Ripple non-event: felt due to a nonevent of someone else
 Resultant non-event: caused by an event
 Delayed non-event: anticipating an event that might still happen
 Context refers to one's relationship with the transition and to the setting in which
the transition takes place.
 Impact is determined by the degree to which a transition alters one's daily life.

In my two cents, reactions to transition depends on the type of transition – Events

and non-events – perception and context and also impact on their lives.

Transition process

The first stage of transition can be perceived as: Moving in: moving into a new
situation or circumstances, such as leaving home and beginning university. Moving out:
leaving a situation or circumstance, such as losing a job, which may include a grieving
period.
Then, when people have learned how to operate in a new situation, they enter
the ‘moving through' stage of transition. People attempt to balance and integrate the
implications and demands of the new situation into their daily lives.
Lastly, the moving out stage follows, in which people complete a series of
transitions and look forward to the next thing. There is a period of stability after the
transition is integrated into other aspects of their life.

A reflection on the 4S of Transition Theory

Schlossberg identified four major groups of factors that influence a person's
ability to cope with a transition: situation, self, support, and strategies, also known as the
4S's.
 I believe that the 4S, as a set of four key factors influencing transition, is an
important part of the moving-through stage and should be given more attention. As we
all know, the 4S system is a method of identifying the client's resources. Exploring these
with the client provides insight into the client's resources and how well they would cope
with transition, whether it is one they are expecting or one they are experiencing. The
client's perception of their situation will influence their assessment of their resources and
abilities.

I have reflected that Schlossberg's model appears to have a lot going for it and is
comprehensive, allowing for different types of transition that other models do not.
Consider the Kübler-Ross model, which is primarily concerned with the grieving process.
Schlossberg, like Kübler-Ross and Scott & Jaffe, proposes a process for going through
different stages of change or transition. In contrast to these models, Schlossberg appears
to allow for a lot more fluidity in how the model is interpreted and used, as well as a lot
more fluidity in the types of transitions it attempts to describe.

HAZEL T. DIALINO
MAED, Guidance and Counseling