The experience of transition : an analysis of the transition from the Australian Defence Forces to civilian life

Abstract

Change is a significant feature of modern day living, and how individuals adapt to change is itself a legitimate field of research. Where, however, the ostensible change is dramatic, the personal and economic costs of the failure to adapt can be especially high. This study investigates the factors which may impede or facilitate the duration and intensity of the transition to civilian life, made by a large number of men (N=962) who, after serving a minimum of six years (mean = 19.7 years), left the Australian Defence Forces during the years 1981, 1982 and 1983. Five areas or aspects of change within this transition were identified. These were the securing of congenial employment; the sorting out of finances and obtaining suitable accommodation; the settling of the family and the self into the civilian environment. Blocks of variables (factors) which were considered to have an effect, for better or for worse, on the transition were regressed separately on variables concerned with the duration of the transition in each of the five areas of change above, on the perceived intensity of the transition process, and on the degree of felt comfort in present work and civilian roles. These factors included (1) prior socialisation and residual socialisation effects; (2) intentional changes made contiguously with the transition and the impact of life events on individuals during the transition; (3) the potential of social support in ameliorating the effects of the transition; (4) physical and psychological health; (5) personality factors, including coping mechanisms, self esteem, self image and locus of control; and (6) work related variables. There was support for the hypotheses that suggested that too much change, whether volitional or as a result of life events prolonged and intensified the transition and reduced the degree of comfort in civilian life. Social support, contrary to expectations, was associated with a longer time to complete transition tasks and with an intensification of the transition process. The suggestion that social support acts as a buffer against stress was not accepted. Physical health variables played little role in affecting the course or the outcomes of the transition. It was shown that transitions are stressful, and that poor self esteem and poor self image are associated with higher levels of stress, a more prolonged and intense transition and decreased comfort in civilian roles. There were a number of barriers identified in facilitating the entry into civilian work. Major findings concluded that those respondents who missed the life in the armed forces, who perceived that the shift into civilian life incurred tremendous losses took a great deal longer to complete the transition, experienced the transition more acutely and found it difficult to be comfortable in civilian roles. Those respondents who believed t.'1.at the transition was out of their control, who were unable or failed to accept the challenges and opportunities offered by their transition experienced considerable problems in making the transition. A mere general model of transition is sketched out. The implications of the model, the limitations of the research, issues and directions of future research conclude the final chapter. Show more