Transitions and adaptation to change

Life is made up of small and big changes to which we have to adapt. Some are associated with events, life stages or unforeseen events. You’ve probably already experienced a few of these in recent years: starting college or university, leaving your home, moving to a new town, mourning the loss of a relationship, living with a roommate, etc. There are also the smallest changes, even positive ones, that can throw us into transition mode, such as returning from a vacation or a trip. Although everyone reacts differently to change, knowing how to adapt is essential. Stubbornly resisting a change over which we have little or no influence can generate its share of difficult emotions and lead to exhaustion. So we can work on developing our ability to navigate through life’s ups and downs.

What influences the ability to adapt to change?

Adapting to change or transition is a complex process that depends on many factors.

• The characteristics of the situation: Is the change unexpected, desired, or imposed? Does it occur at the same time as other events that place heavy demands on your energy? Are there any features that make the situation easier or harder to cope with?
• Your reactions or behaviours when facing change: What do you feel when you experience change: excitement, fear, anxiety? What strategies do you see for coping with the situation: act on the situation, changing direction, managing stress, letting go? Do you have confidence in your ability to get through the situation?
• The resources available to you: Are the people around you (family and friends) available to support you during this change? Do you have access to services at your school? Do you feel equipped to adapt to this change?

Transition to adulthood

The transition to adulthood usually occurs between the ages of 18 and 25, but it can start as early as 16 and end after 30. This period, full of both challenges and opportunities, is a time of gradual empowerment. Becoming more independent can, for example, lead you to leave the family nest, make professional choices, invest in a romantic relationship, learn to manage your finances, have a child, get a coveted job, etc.

This opportunity to make your own choices is exciting, but it can also bring the fear of making mistakes and a certain amount of stress, since the situation is also synonymous with novelty and renunciation. In fact, statistically speaking, a higher proportion of people transitioning to adulthood show signs of psychological distress than other age groups.

ENTRY AND RETURN TO COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY

Transitions from high school to college and university come with their own set of academic, social, and psychological challenges. The same is true if you’re going from a master’s degree to a doctorate. What we’re trying to tell you here is that it’s normal to feel a little disoriented during your first semester. It’s a big adjustment period for many things: adapting to a new learning culture, uncertainty about your field of study, developing a sense of competence, and so much more.

And then there’s life beyond your studies, with its own set of challenges. It’s normal to need a few weeks before you feel competent and at ease in your program. Some doubts and challenges may remain, but you’ll still be able to persevere, remaining confident that things will improve over time.

The migratION experience: Moving to PURSUE YOUR STUDIES

If you’re an international student, the migration experience has probably been synonymous with major changes and upheavals in your lifestyle. Everyone’s experience is different, but adaptation is generally a gradual and non-linear process.

A summary of this article is available in PDF format for distribution or printing (in french).

View the fact sheet (PDF)

References

Consortium d’animation sur la persévérance et la réussite en enseignement supérieur. (2020) Transitions interordres et intercycles en enseignement supérieur

Centre d’études sur le stress humain. (2019) Stratégies d’adaptation

Centre RBC d’expertise universitaire en santé mentale. (2017) Recension des écrits sur la transition à l’âge adulte

Institut de la statistique du Québec. (2015) Portrait statistique de la santé mentale des Québécois. Résultats de l’Enquête sur la santé dans les collectivités canadiennes

Université de Sherbrooke. (2021) Adaptation au changement – Étudiants – Université de Sherbrooke (usherbrooke.ca)

Université Laval. (2016) Choc culturel et adaptation

Credits

Illustration : Mario Fontaine

Contribution to the article :

• France Landry, psychologist
• Isabelle Queval, psychologist