Do We Need to Re-Think Transition to Take a More Comprehensive Approach to Supporting Young People to Navigate Complex Journeys to Adulthood?

Abstract

This discussion paper draws on a range of personal and other published research articles to respond to calls for a re-conceptualization of the concept of Transition. Acknowledging the roots of the concept in developmental and health psychology, the article briefly considers application to fields of practice in formal and informal education, health, social care, counseling, and psychotherapy that underpin approaches to supporting young people to navigate the journey to adulthood. UK service provision is discussed to consider why linear developmental approaches may be problematic, alongside recent calls for a re-conceptualization of what we mean by Transition to successfully understand, support, and enable complex journeys to young adulthood. The paper concludes by proposing a holistic, non-linear bio-ecological systems approach within which it is possible to integrate globally evolving research, pathways, models, and interventions. The approach will be of interest to an international readership because principles can be adapted to respond to shared and country-specific challenges, developments, and models of service provision as we approach the second quarter of the twenty-first century.