Major life changes often result in role transitions. By definition, when we’re in a role transition we move from an old role to a new role. Because the new role is, well, new, it can be hard to adjust to - and it can be difficult for other people in our lives to make the adjustment to our change. Other people in our lives may have difficulty accepting, or getting used to, our new roles.
This is why role transitions can lead to depression as people struggle to define themselves in their new role.
Role Transitions and Relationships
Role transitions can lead to significant problems in relationships because new roles require a change in expectations. For example, when people have children, each person’s role in the relationship changes from “married” or “partner” to “parent.”
People often have difficulty defining themselves in that new role.. They have trouble changing their view of themselves from happy go lucky or workaholic to responsible parent. Others get into conflict in their relationship because they and their partner have different expectations of the role transition and what the new definitions of parent means. Remember: people get into disputes when they have different expectations in a relationship, and role transitions often create a situation in which people can have very different expectations about the new role. As a result, role transitions often result in relationship problems.
If one or more of your relationships has been affected by a role transition, you may find the rest of this session very helpful. If you don’t think you’re currently struggling with a role transition, you may still find the information in this session helpful for understanding other peoples’ struggles. At the very least, it will prepare you to cope with future role transitions.
