This informal CPD article, ‘What Is a Transition? Do Life Transitions Differ from Sporting Transitions?’, was provided by Odette Hornby of ACT Community, an organisation focused on matching athletes with their next careers as athlete careers transition. They partner with businesses to offer programs designed by athletes, for athletes, equipping them with the skills, networks, and resources they need to succeed.
Transitions are part of the human experience. Every individual, regardless of background or career, will experience moments of change that reshape who they are, how they think, and how they live. Whether expected or unexpected, transitions influence identity, relationships, and wellbeing.
What Is a Transition?
A transition refers to a period of change in which an individual moves from one stage, role, or situation to another (4). These shifts can be planned, such as starting a new job or retiring, or unexpected, like illness or injury. What defines a transition is not only the external change itself but also the internal process of adaptation that follows (2).
Transitions require people to renegotiate their sense of self and develop new routines, skills, and perspectives. In essence, it’s not just what changes that matters, it’s how we respond to that change.
Types of Major Life Transitions
Developmental vs Reactive Transitions
Psychologists often distinguish between developmental and reactive transitions (4).
- Developmental transitions are predictable and connected to life stages, for example, entering adulthood, becoming a parent, or retiring.
- Reactive transitions, on the other hand, are unplanned and triggered by external events, such as redundancy, loss, or injury.
Reactive transitions typically require rapid emotional and psychological adjustment and therefore demand higher levels of resilience and support (1).
Athlete Career Transitions
For athletes, transitions are both frequent and emotionally charged. According to research (7), an athletic career consists of several layers: athletic, psychological, psychosocial, and academic/vocational - each with its own transitions. These can include moving from junior to senior level, recovering from injury, deselection, or ultimately, retiring from competitive sport.
Unlike many life transitions, athletic transitions often happen in high-pressure, public environments and are closely tied to personal identity and self-worth (5). When an athlete’s self-concept is strongly linked to their athletic role, these transitions can trigger emotional distress, loss of confidence, or even identity crises (3).
Developmental and reactive transitions
Life Transitions vs Sporting Transitions
While both types involve change and adaptation, sporting transitions differ in intensity and context. Life transitions, such as changing jobs or moving house, often unfold within broader social norms and offer greater control. Sporting transitions, however, occur in performance-driven environments with limited autonomy and visibility to others (6).
Furthermore, athletes often face transitions earlier in life and at greater frequency than the general population. For example, the “retirement” phase for an athlete may occur in their 20s or 30s, decades before most people would face a comparable identity shift.
The psychological load of these transitions is amplified by the sudden change in structure, community, and purpose that sport once provided. This is why framing the experience as a “transition” rather than a “retirement” can be so powerful — it communicates growth, continuity, and evolution rather than loss or ending (6).
The Importance of Understanding Transition Psychology
An established transition theory (4) highlights that the ability to navigate change depends on four key factors:
- Situation: the context and timing of the change.
- Self: the individual’s mindset, identity, and coping skills.
- Support: the social and environmental resources available.
- Strategies: the coping mechanisms used to manage stress and uncertainty.
In sport, recognising and supporting these elements can protect athlete wellbeing and performance. By addressing transition as an ongoing process rather than a one-off event, organisations can help athletes sustain confidence, identity, and motivation through change.
Conclusion
Transitions, whether in sport or life, are moments of transformation. They are opportunities to redefine who we are and where we’re headed. For athletes, viewing these changes as transitions rather than endings encourages adaptability, optimism, and self-growth.
As research consistently shows (5,7,3), the language and support surrounding transitions play a crucial role in shaping outcomes. When managed proactively, transitions can become not points of loss, but pathways to renewed purpose and identity.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from ACT Community, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
References
- Anderson, M. L., Goodman, J., & Schlossberg, N. K. (2012). Counseling Adults in Transition: Linking Schlossberg’s Theory with Practice in a Diverse World. Springer Publishing.
- Goodman, J., Schlossberg, N. K., & Anderson, M. L. (2006). Transitions: Understanding and Managing Personal Change. Springer.
- Park, S., Lavallee, D., & Tod, D. (2013). Athletes’ career transition out of sport: A systematic review. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 6(1), 22–53.
- Schlossberg, N. K. (1981). A model for analyzing human adaptation to transition. The Counseling Psychologist, 9(2), 2–18.
- Stambulova, N. (2003). Athletic career: Transitions and transferable skills. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 15(1), 63–69.
- Stambulova, N., & Schinke, R. (2025). Transitions in sport: A global perspective on adaptation and identity. Routledge.
- Wylleman, P., & Lavallee, D. (2004). A developmental perspective on transitions faced by athletes. In M. Weiss (Ed.), Developmental sport and exercise psychology: A lifespan perspective (pp. 507–527). Fitness Information Technology.