Which theory centers on the management of transitions and adaptation to health, development, and situational changes?

Which theory centers on the management of transitions and adaptation to health, development, and situational changes?

• A. Neuman's Systems Model
• B. Meleis' Transitions Theory
• C. King's Theory
• D. Abdellah's 21 Nursing Problems

Answer: (B)

Transitions and adaptation across health, development, and life circumstances are the focus of Meleis' Transitions Theory. It treats transition as a dynamic process people move through—with phases such as awareness, engagement, change, and a sense of time—and emphasizes how personal, social, and environmental factors influence how well someone adjusts. In practice, this theory guides nurses to assess where a person is in a transition, recognize facilitators and barriers to adaptation, and plan interventions that support healthy adjustment during changes like starting or stopping treatments, aging, or facing a new health issue. Other theories describe different angles—system responses to stress, nurse–patient goal attainment, or a problem-focused nursing approach—but they do not center specifically on managing transitions and the accompanying adaptation.

Transitions and adaptation across health, development, and life circumstances are the focus of Meleis' Transitions Theory. It treats transition as a dynamic process people move through—with phases such as awareness, engagement, change, and a sense of time—and emphasizes how personal, social, and environmental factors influence how well someone adjusts. In practice, this theory guides nurses to assess where a person is in a transition, recognize facilitators and barriers to adaptation, and plan interventions that support healthy adjustment during changes like starting or stopping treatments, aging, or facing a new health issue. Other theories describe different angles—system responses to stress, nurse–patient goal attainment, or a problem-focused nursing approach—but they do not center specifically on managing transitions and the accompanying adaptation.