We experience change on a daily basis as our environment is continually changing, more so than ever before in this digital and rapidly advancing technological age, but change is not the same as transition. A transition in the context of this article is an internal (psychological) change within a person or persons. Change happens to people and transition is an internal process. Changes which people experience may or may not be accompanied by a transition depending on the level of change and how a person is affected by it.
In the Adam, Hayes and Hopson model of transition a transition begins with a discontinuity in a person’s life which they are aware of and can be the end of a job, relationship, loss of a loved one, loss of identity, loss of a current mode of being and so on. A person has to adapt to a new environment, situation or identity which involves developing new behavioral responses. A transition is a stressful period and a person can be proactive, reactive, or both in how they cope with the transition. People who are more proactive in coping with transition are believed to have a more positive outcome. The Adam, Hayes and Hopson Model of transition outlines seven stages that individuals may go through during the process of transition. These stages provide a framework for understanding the emotional and psychological experiences accompanying a significant life change. The seven stages are as follows:
- Immobilization: The initial stage of transition often involves a sense of being stuck or immobilized. Individuals may feel overwhelmed or unable to take action in response to the impending change. This stage is characterized by a state of shock or disbelief, where individuals may find it challenging to process or accept the reality of the transition.
- Minimization: In the minimization stage, individuals tend to downplay or ignore the impact of the transition. They may try to maintain a sense of normalcy or resist acknowledging the need for change. This stage can be a defense mechanism, as individuals may feel reluctant to confront the challenges and uncertainties associated with the transition.
- Depression: The depression stage involves a period of sadness, loss, and emotional withdrawal. Individuals may experience feelings of grief or mourning for what has been lost or left behind during the transition. It is common to feel a sense of emptiness, hopelessness, or a lack of motivation during this stage.
- Acceptance: As individuals progress through the transition, they enter the acceptance stage. In this stage, individuals begin to come to terms with the reality of the change and accept it as a part of their life. They start to acknowledge and adjust to the new circumstances, finding ways to move forward and adapt to the transition.
- Testing: During the testing stage, individuals actively explore and experiment with new possibilities and options. They may try out different strategies, behaviors, or approaches to navigate the transition. This stage is characterized by a willingness to take risks and a desire to gain a better understanding of how to cope effectively with the change.
- Searching: In the searching stage, individuals engage in a quest for meaning, purpose, and direction. They may seek out new opportunities, experiences, or perspectives that align with their evolving sense of self and aspirations. This stage involves self-reflection, exploration, and a desire to find a sense of identity and fulfillment in the context of the transition.
- Internalizing: The final stage of transition is internalizing. In this stage, individuals integrate the lessons, experiences, and insights gained throughout the transition. They internalize the changes and incorporate them into their sense of self and their worldview. This stage represents a sense of resolution, growth, and personal transformation as individuals emerge from the transition with a renewed sense of identity and purpose.
The person’s beliefs are modified by the new meanings learned which are in turn reflected in their behavior. In the first three phases of Adam, Hayes and Hopson Model of Transition there has been an attachment to the past and in the final four phases the person is focusing on and adapting to the present.