Psychologist explains why it’s hard to cope with change
Andrea Hussong studies risk and resilience during development, with a focus on children, adolescents and young adults.
In the new series “Let Me Explain,” UNC College of Arts and Sciences’ faculty shed light on an intriguing, timely or often misunderstood topic related to their research. This installment features Andrea Hussong, clinical psychologist, professor and associate chair of research in the psychology and neuroscience department.
Psychologically, what makes change so difficult to adjust to?
Change can be hard because we may lack clear expectations to guide our behavior, to help us interpret our environment and to navigate new social relationships. Sometimes, fear of failing, rejection and embarrassment may underlie our discomfort with change. But giving yourself a break, saying no to perfectionism and laughing at yourself instead of taking it all too seriously can help. We were all first-year students once.
What are some challenges young adults may face while adapting to new situations?
Young adults are still developing a sense of identity, which comes through learning about ourselves through different social contexts and relationships. New world views come into play as we meet people who think in new ways or don’t share our experiences. In college, many of these contexts change all at once, and that can be challenging.
Right now, the biggest challenge for young people is that distraction and isolation are widespread coping techniques that are aided by excessive screen use. Distraction can help modulate our anxiety and stress in a given moment and can be important as part of a larger response to a challenge. But in the long run, we learn fewer coping skills, including those that might be more effective but seem risky. The good news is that young adults are developmentally wired for positive risk taking. Though this is easier for some than others, we all have some capacity to reach outside our comfort zones and explore.
Do you have any tips to boost resilience in the face of change?
The best way to overcome anxiety is to face your fears, and the best way to overcome your sadness and loneliness is to do things that bring you joy, usually in the company of others. Change is not something you need to negotiate alone, especially the transition to college. Draw on your resources — students, staff, faculty and RAs. Ask others what it was like for them and what made it easier. Additionally, the first year “College Thriving” course will provide lots of ways to boost resilience.
Young adults transitioning to college need to feel comfortable being alone (sitting by yourself to eat does not make you a loser), structuring their days and semesters (make friends with your calendar) and taking positive risks (leave your room and join in, even if you sit at the back and keep quiet). Showing up is a victory and something you can do for yourself.
What’s the most common misconception about how the brain reacts to change?
That acute reactions of fear, sadness or anger are signs of weakness and poor functioning. These emotions are signals about how we see the world — signals that we need to interpret and respond to. So, when the brain encodes information that provokes a negative emotion, that means it is doing its job. When those negative emotions become prolonged or interfere with our daily functioning over weeks at a time, then it’s time to ask for help.
