An information behavior theory of transitions

Ian Ruthven

doi:10.1002/asi.24588

Abstract

AbstractThis paper proposes a theory of life transitions focused on information behavior. Through a process of meta‐ethnography, the paper transforms a series of influential theories and models into a theory of transitions for use in Information Science. This paper characterizes the psychological processes involved in transitions as consisting of three main stages, Understanding, Negotiating, and Resolving, each of which have qualitatively different information behaviors and which require different types of information support. The paper discusses the theoretical implications of this theory and proposes ways in which the theory can be used to provide practical support for those undergoing transitions.

Highlights

We all face challenging times at some points in our lives
Some life transitions are more difficult than others and the information behaviors we use in everyday life may not be appropriate for obtaining useful information during a significant life change
Information Science researchers have studied a wide range of life transitions but only a few have done this from a transitions' perspective

Summary

| INTRODUCTION

We all face challenging times at some points in our lives. Major events such as illness, bereavement, or new parenthood may require us to seek out information at a time when we are stressed, frightened, or psychologically vulnerable (Ruthven et al, 2018a). In his work on Everyday Life Information Seeking, Savolainen talks about the established ways we have of interacting with our information worlds He refers to these as contributing to a perceived “mastery of life,” a sense of ownership, and meaning that gives coherence to one's life (Savolainen, 1995). Information Science research has provided many detailed descriptive accounts of transitions, usually in the form of models that describe important stages, variables, or barriers within a specific transition. These models rarely reach the level of theory. This is achieved by performing a theory synthesis on major theories of transitions and using this theory to provide an information behavior perspective on life transitions

| BACKGROUND

| METHODS

| DISCUSSION

| CONCLUSION