Adult transition and
the transfer process
Seth Matthew Fishman, PhD
University of North Texas
Higher 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)
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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
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Situation
Self
Support
Strategies
Situation
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Trigger
Timing
Control
Role change
Duration
Previous experience
Concurrent stressors/issues
Assessment – how does the student view this?
Self
• Personal and demographic characteristics
Support
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Intimate relationships
Family units
Network of friends
Institutions and communities
Mattering
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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
Institution
Departure
Redefinition
Re-engagement
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, PhD
Seth.Fishman@unt.edu