Adult transition and the transfer process

Seth Matthew Fishman, PhDUniversity of North TexasHigher Education Program

Learning goals

•Define appropriate transition terminology•Apply transition theory, particularly

the 4-S model•Reflect on your personal framing of

transitions

What are transition theories?

Transitions defined

• Any event or non-event that results in changed relationships, routines, assumptions, and roles” (Goodman, Schlossberg, & Anderson, 2006, p.33).• Requires new patterns of behavior• Gains and losses• It’s based on the person’s perception!• “Life white water rafting”

Overview of Schlossberg’s model• Approaching transitions• Taking stock of coping resources (aka 4 S)• Situation• Self• Support• Strategies

• Taking charge and strengthening resources

Basic summary• Moving in• Moving through• Moving out

Approaching transitions• Anticipated• Unanticipated• Non-event

• Relativity – the individuals appraisal• Context – relationship of individual to transition• Impact – degree which it alters someone’s life

Attending a 4 year school

Taking stock – the 4 S System• Situation• Self• Support• Strategies

Situation• Trigger• Timing• Control• Role change• Duration• Previous experience• Concurrent stressors/issues• Assessment – how does the student view this?

Self• Personal and demographic characteristics

Support• Intimate relationships• Family units• Network of friends• Institutions and communities

Mattering• We make a difference and matter to others• Do I know who I am?• Do I feel competent?• Do others appreciate me?• Do my communities (work, school, etc) make me feel needed?

3 phase transition model• Departure• Re-definition• Re-engagement

Departure Re-engagementRedefinition

Institution

New Opportunities

Fishman (2010)

References

• Bridges, W. (2004). Transitions: Making sense of life’s changes. Cambridge, MA: DeCapo.

• Goodman, J., Schlossberg, N.K., & Anderson, M.L. (2006). Counseling adults in transition. (3rd ed.). New York: Springer• There is 2011 4th edition out now of this!

• Schlossberg, N. K., Lynch, A. Q., & Chickering, A. W. (1989). Improving higher education environments for adults. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass

• Van Gennep, A. (1960). The rites of passage. Chicago, IL: The University of Chicago Press.

Questions/discussion?

•THANK YOU!Seth Matthew Fishman, PhDSeth.Fishman@unt.edu