Adjustment to Transitions: Common Components

Moving away from a linear sequential stage conceptualization to a more loosely ordered component conceptualization enables the use of the more common components across theories of adjustment to transition, as the building blocks of a new theory, titled the Transitional Stress and Adjustment (TSA) model. An elaborated description of these common components that appear across various theories of adjustment to life-course transitions is presented. These components are awareness of the transition, shock and confusion, exploration of the situation’s lawfulness, and sense-making; reassessment of personal rewards; P-E fit and role clarification; and the emergence of personal commitment. It is suggested that these components should be addressed once trying to promote adjustment and/or to prevent maladjustment.