Coping strategies of students experiencing a major change transition

This basic interpretive qualitative study examined the lived experiences of undergraduate students changing from one major to another. It focuses on how participants describe a major change transition, their support, and the coping strategies utilized. Thirteen semi-structured interviews with undergraduate students were conducted and viewed through the lens of Schlossberg’s transition theory, which focuses on a framework of approaching the transition, taking stock, and taking charge. Themes pertaining to participants’ description of their major change, support, and the coping strategies students used to navigate their transition and take charge of their major change are discussed. This work contributes to the current literature focused on undergraduate students changing their field of study. Findings suggest that both social and institutional support and coping strategies were used to help navigate the transition successfully and that utilizing more than one strategy might be beneficial in coping with the change. Recommendations for academic advising working with major changing students are provided.