Catalysts that Cause Individuals’ Change: A Taxonomy of Cycles

Abstract

The evidence revealing just how much individuals’ affect, cognition, and motivation vary over time is astounding. Yet, so much about why this fluctuation occurs remains unclear. This theoretical manuscript elucidates the effects of cycles, a classifiable series of distinct yet related factors (i.e., circadian cycles, human life cycles, organizational life cycles, macro business cycles, work and recovery cycles, tenure cycles, orbital and rotational cycles of the earth, family life cycles, etc.) that unfold in stages while creating forces that lead to changes in individuals’ affect, cognition, and motivation. Using sensemaking and conservation of resources theories, I explain why cycles are a causal agent of change for individuals. By developing a taxonomy and classifying the different kinds of cycles in it, I reveal the distinctive features of cycles while also linking cycle-types that have not previously been connected. By providing a structure that highlights the multitude of factors upon which a given cycle can be categorized, the manuscript can be used in future research to prompt nuanced expectations about when, how, and why individuals experience fluctuation and change. Through the new connections established between disparate cycle-types, I hope the manuscript facilitates the transfer of knowledge across domains.