1.2 Analyse factors that can make the change process a positive or a negative experience

This guide will help you answer 1.2 Analyse factors that can make the change process a positive or a negative experience.

The experience of change can be very different for each individual. Understanding the factors that shape this experience helps you provide better support. Some factors can make change feel positive, while others may lead to negative feelings or outcomes. Analysing these factors is important in health and social care so you can respond to each person’s needs.

Attitude and Mindset

How someone thinks about change has a strong effect on their experience. A positive attitude can help make change easier to accept. Some people enjoy new challenges and see change as an opportunity. Others may be fearful or feel anxious when faced with something different.

A positive mindset is more likely when:

• The person has chosen the change
• They believe it will improve their life
• They feel confident in their abilities
• Past experiences of change have been good

Negative experiences are more likely if:

• The change is forced or unwanted
• There are fears about the outcome
• The person does not trust those introducing the change
• Previous changes were difficult or upsetting

Level of Support

Support from others can make a big difference. Family, friends, colleagues and care workers all have roles to play.

Positive support can include:

• Listening and offering emotional comfort
• Giving practical help, such as with daily tasks
• Sharing information about what to expect
• Providing reassurance and encouragement

Lack of support or feeling alone can turn change into a negative experience. People might become isolated or withdrawn, especially if they do not have anyone to talk to during the process.

Preparation and Planning

Being prepared helps people feel in control. When someone knows what to expect, they can plan and cope better.

Preparation makes change easier when:

• There is time to plan ahead
• Information is shared clearly and in a way the person understands
• Choices and options are explained
• The person can take part in planning and decision-making

Unplanned, sudden, or poorly explained changes often create confusion or distress. People lacking information can feel powerless or ignored.

Choice and Control

Having a say over decisions is empowering. Choice gives people a sense of ownership over the change. Involvement in making choices leads to a more positive outlook.

Factors increasing choice and control:

• Being consulted before change happens
• Having real options to choose from
• Being able to express wishes and make decisions
• Respect for individual preferences

A lack of choice or feeling forced into change usually leads to negative feelings. People may resist or feel helpless.

Personal Resilience

Resilience means being able to adapt to setbacks or challenges. For some, resilience comes from personality, past experience, or learned skills.

Change feels less threatening when someone is:

• Confident in solving problems
• Adaptable and open to new ideas
• Used to facing difficulties and overcoming them

Someone with low resilience may feel overwhelmed or unable to cope. They might require extra encouragement or support to manage big changes.

Previous Experience of Change

Past experiences shape how a person approaches new change. If earlier changes were handled well, they may feel hopeful and strong.

Examples of helpful previous experience:

• Successfully moving to a new home in the past
• Recovering from illness
• Making new friends after previous losses

If a person struggled with earlier changes, they may feel anxious about facing similar things again. This can lead to fear, sadness, or avoidance behaviour.

Communication

Clear, honest, and regular communication is key. People need to feel informed and involved.

Positive aspects of communication include:

• Sharing information at a pace that suits the person
• Using plain language, avoiding jargon
• Checking understanding with questions or feedback
• Written, visual, or other forms of communication if needed

Poor or confusing information makes change frightening. If people do not know what is happening, they may feel suspicious, left out, or frustrated.

The Nature of the Change

Some changes are harder to accept than others. The reason for change, its size, and its impact all matter.

Change is easier if:

• It is expected or planned
• It brings obvious benefits
• It is reversible or happens in small steps
• It does not threaten important relationships or routines

Change becomes more negative if it:

• Happens suddenly or unexpectedly
• Involves loss (such as bereavement or job loss)
• Is permanent or outside of the person’s control
• Threatens someone’s independence or privacy

Timing

Timing can affect whether change feels positive or negative. People need enough time to get ready.

A positive outcome is more likely when people:

• Have warning about upcoming changes
• Can prepare mentally, emotionally, or practically
• Adjust in stages rather than all at once

Change that comes at a bad time, such as during illness or after another stressful event, is more likely to be difficult.

Resources and Practical Help

Access to the right resources and help makes change easier.

Supports that help include:

• Money or financial advice
• Transport and access to services
• Equipment, such as mobility aids
• Training and learning new skills

A lack of resources, such as not being able to travel, or not having adaptations in place, makes change harder. This can increase stress and reduce independence.

Health and Wellbeing

Physical and mental health both influence how a person deals with change. Good health usually means greater energy and a more positive mood.

Good health helps by:

• Providing physical strength and stamina
• Reducing worries about coping
• Lowering levels of anxiety or depression

Poor health or untreated mental health problems can make any change a big challenge. It may be harder to keep up with new demands or participate in planning.

Relationships with Others

Strong, trusting relationships help individuals feel safe during periods of change. People supported by close family, friends, or carers tend to adapt more easily.

Supportive relationships:

• Offer comfort and reassurance
• Provide practical help, such as with transport or paperwork
• Help combat loneliness

Difficult or broken relationships can make change a negative experience. Arguments, mistrust, or lack of contact remove emotional safety when it is needed most.

Cultural Beliefs and Values

Cultural background shapes how people think about change.

For example:

• Some cultures welcome certain life changes, such as marriage or having children
• Others may have strict expectations about caring for the elderly
• Beliefs about death, illness, or dependence can make change seem more or less acceptable

Clashes between a person’s values and the change being asked of them cause distress. Respect and understanding make a positive experience more likely.

External Influences

Wider factors influence the change process. These may be outside an individual’s direct control.

Examples include:

• Economic changes affecting jobs or income
• National policy or law changes in health and social care
• Changes in available public services
• Community support and social attitudes

When communities or systems are supportive, people experience positive outcomes. If systems are hard to access or uncaring, change feels much more negative.

Emotional State at the Time of Change

Someone’s feelings influence how they adapt. Good mental health and positive emotions lead to better outcomes.

Positive emotional state:

• Confidence
• Hopefulness
• Satisfaction with progress

Negative states such as anxiety, depression, or mourning increase struggling during change.

Stigma and Discrimination

If people feel judged or discriminated against, this can turn change into a negative experience.

This can include:

• Stigma attached to illness, mental health, or disability
• Judgement about life choices, such as marital status, employment, or parenthood
• Discrimination in accessing services

Facing stigma reduces self-esteem and trust. Treated fairly and equally, people are more likely to feel positive about changes.

Final Thoughts

Many factors influence whether change is a positive or negative experience. These include attitude, support, preparation, choice, resilience, previous experiences, and communication. The nature, timing, and available resources also matter. Health, relationships, culture, external influences, emotional state, and stigma all play a part. Knowing about these factors means you can plan how best to support each individual. This helps them manage change in a way that protects their wellbeing and dignity. Observing, listening, and offering personalised support are your most important tools.