The Psychology of Retirement: Understanding the Transition

In this course, psychologist and Honorary Professor of Psychology Dr. Joanne Earl, Ph.D., introduces the psychological foundations of retirement planning and adjustment, examining how individuals navigate changes in identity, relationships, autonomy, wellbeing, and purpose when transitioning from employment. Drawing on research into retirement decision-making, resource accumulation, life-course influences, and psychological adjustment, Dr. Earl explores why retirement should be understood as a dynamic process shaped by personal circumstances and workplace exit conditions. You will examine established frameworks, including resource-based models, selection, optimisation and compensation, and continuity theory, alongside practical approaches to identifying individuals at risk of poor adjustment. Through clinically relevant examples, the course demonstrates how you can assess retirement expectations, identify resource gaps, strengthen clients' sense of mastery, and support realistic, personally meaningful retirement plans using evidence-informed psychological interventions.