Research  Study Conclusions (short)

​

​​Adult development entails unavoidable stress-inducing Life Changes and Transitions, which challenges an individual’s functioning, health, sense of self-worth and well-being. Life Changes are studied as a type of stressor, yet it is not known what contributes as a risk factor predisposing the individual to develop psychological declines. This research argues it is the experience of "feeling of fear" that it is capable of bringing light to the matter.

​

Stress is recognizably a significant experience in Changes and Transitions. Life Changes not only bring life changes or endings of psychosocial structures, but they might also lead the individual to Transition. When it does, the process of disengagement from the old self to build a new identity makes these periods potentially traumatic, of significant instability, stress and anxiety inducing and the danger of psychological declines.

​

Findings confirm the ‘feeling fear’ to have personal significance, behavioural and physiological responses. Chiefly, the feeling of fear is the precursor of stress and anxiety. Moreover, in a nutshell, it has been observed  that the mind, time (it “can reach years”), identity change, personal growth, other emotions interaction, other people´s influence and decreased well-being are all relevant components of  the experience during Life Changes.

​​

​Themes Identified

• The Mind (“Mind” is the “Commander” of the experience).

• Identity Change

• Behavioural and Physiological Aspects

• Well-being & Other People impacts

• Personal Growth & Emotions Arousal

​

The ‘Feeling of Fear’ during Life Changes is a continual presence. The Mind is at the commands for protection of the self-identity (that is changing). It impacts subjective well-being. It is influenced (negatively, and positively) by social interactions. Arouses various emotions simultaneously, and correlates to identity change.

​

“Fear, it felt alive!” The Mind, the “Commander” for the protection and renewal of self-identity! The positive gain is personal growth.