Understanding the nature of adjustment processes constitutes an essential yet underexplored area in applied psychology. As individuals navigate life course transitions, they encounter both challenging and enriching experiences. Regardless of their level of preparedness, people often face moments of negative affect linked to leaving the familiar, heightened ambiguity, and repeated demands to function in novel ways. Concurrently, they may uncover previously unrecognized personal assets—such as resilience—engage in intense processes of meaning-making and self-reflection, and experience the satisfaction of mastering new behaviors.
Existing theories on counseling individuals in transition are largely characterized by fragmented, small-scale, and predominantly linear models. Consequently, a comprehensive and cross-situational framework remains lacking. The Transitional Stress and Adjustment (TSA) model (Israelashvili, 2023) was developed to address this gap, offering both a theoretical foundation and a practical tool for practitioners. The TSA model delineates the universal components of adaptation to life course transitions, situated across both individual and environmental (or organizational) levels. As such, it provides a conceptual and applied framework for supporting individuals and organizations preparing for—or already engaged in—processes of adjustment.
Following an overview of the TSA model, two empirical studies will be briefly presented. The first study, conducted among new immigrants (N = 432), illustrates the model's relevance for understanding and facilitating adjustment during major life course transitions. The second study, conducted among adolescents from Jewish (N = 442) and Arab (N = 331) populations, demonstrates the model's applicability to developmental transitions. Collectively, the findings from these studies highlight the TSA model's utility in elucidating the key concerns that arise during transitional periods and in identifying strategies to prevent maladaptive outcomes. This framework also underscores the importance and feasibility of working with organizations to develop structured protocols for recruiting and integrating newcomers effectively.