Extensions to the dynamic aspects of the Retirement Transition and Adjustment Framework (RTAF) : adjustment behaviors, work styles, and identity

The article summarizes the retirement transition adjustment framework (RTAF; Hesketh, B., Griffin, B., & Loh, V. (2011). A future-oriented retirement transition adjustment framework. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 79, 303– 314) based on the Theory of Work Adjustment (TWA; Dawis, R. V. & Lofquist, L. H. (1984). A psychological theory of work adjustment. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press). and extends it to include additional variables important in retirement transition, namely self-efficacy, identity, stereotyping, and subjective life expectancy. The RTAF and TWA fit within the broad category of person-environment Fit theories. After describing both the structural and dynamic components of the RTAF, methodological issues are raised, and suggestions for future research and theory development outlined. The potential of the RTAF framework for use by individuals and counselors in retirement transition planning and facilitating positive aging is highlighted, as is its value to organizations in helping the adjustment processes of late career workers.