Are You Change Resistant?

In recent months, Catholic cardinals, bishops and theologians have been discussing the future of the Catholic church and redefining their doctrine. Pope Francis has surprised many with significant changes. He is quoted as saying, “Catholicism is now a modern and reasonable religion which has undergone evolutionary changes. We must recognize that religious truth evolves and changes. Truth is not absolute or set in stone.”

Some previously held beliefs in the Catholic church have changed. Such things as the perception of hell – they no longer believe in a literal hell but now see hell as a metaphor. Adam and Eve are seen as a fable. Pope Francis made reference to the bible as a beautiful holy book “but some passages are outdated.” He indicated that the church will begin to ordain women as cardinals, bishops and priests. The Catholic church has an anti-science history, but Pope Francis believes in evolution and the Big Bang theory. He wants the church to be more inclusive of gay people, as well as remarried Catholics and unmarried couples who live together.

Not everyone agrees with these changes. Some people are resistant, some even hostile. I recall when many Catholic parishioners turned away from the church when mass was switched from Latin to English. Many people want to believe in absolute truths, particularly from their religious leaders. We want to rely upon the wisdom and guidance of trusted sources when we are faced with anxiety.

So why all the reluctance to change? Humans are comfortable with that which is familiar. Most of us don’t like ambiguity. Although change can be good for us, we are uncomfortable with dis-equilibrium.

Are some people better equipped to handle change than others? There are a number of factors that influence how we handle change. Psychological factors such as temperament, mood, and IQ can influence our handling of change. Learned patterns of behavior and our beliefs influence how well we adapt to change. Previous trauma can cause us to be less resilient when faced with change. Our social support or its lack can alter our ability to cope with change. And, tools and resources determine how we respond to change such as relaxation techniques.

Not every change causes anxiety. But our perception of our ability to cope with change can result in anxiety. If we believe we lack the resources to effectively cope with change, we can become stuck. We may not adjust in a healthy manner. Signs of poor adaptation to change can be seen in mood disorders, substance abuse, poor health and impaired relationships. Although temporary disturbances can be a normal part of the adaptation process, prolonged difficulties signal a more serious problem.

Milan Christianson, of North Dakota State University, identifies three components to the adaptation process. In “The Healing Cycle” there is first a crisis encounter (a change event) and down cycle; second, a bottoming-out point; and third, a cycle of recovery or growth.

We begin with normal, predictable life as we know it and are confronted by a situation that requires a response. We may respond with fight, flight or freeze. Or, we might respond with denial, anger, blaming, fear, worry, conflict, anxiety or depression.

We may become stuck at a bottoming-out point before we have the resources to integrate the crisis or change.

Healthy adaptation may include problem solving, adjustment of our beliefs or behaviors and acceptance of the change until we reach a new normal.