Afaf Ibrahim Meleis

Theory name:

Transitions Theory

Theory type:

Mid-Range Theory

Key Concept:

Focuses on the human experiences, responses, and consequences of transitions (Developmental, Situational, Health-illness, Organizational) on the well-being of people, the goal being to help people go through healthy transitions to enhance healthy outcomes.

Focus:

Support during life transitions

How Transitions Theory views the person:

Individuals experiencing transitions that impact their roles and identities

How Transitions Theory views health:

The outcome of transition processes

How Transitions Theory views environment:

Internal (thoughts, emotions) and external (family, work, social support) contexts that affect the person’s transition experience

How Transitions Theory views nursing:

Facilitating healthy transitions through assessment, support, and education

Examples of Transitions Theory:

A teen newly diagnosed with diabetes is struggling with the lifestyle change. The nurse educates the teen and family, introduces peer support, and helps integrate diabetes care into daily life

Transitions:

• A passage from one life phase, condition, or status to another; a multiple concept embracing the elements of process, time span, and perception

  • Transitions that relate to health, self care, or well being may result in interactions with nurses

4 Types of transitions:

• Developmental

• Situational

• Health- illness

• Organizational