Role Exit stage two
Now the individual has come to the acknowledgement (First Stage of Role Exit) that they need to change roles, they will start to actively seek alternatives.
A key part of this is measuring the Comparison Level (Thibaut and Kelly, 1959). The Comparison Level is established from previous experiences in the individuals life. These form a baseline that all subsequent experiences are judged either, above (attractive and satisfying) or below (unattractive and dissatisfying) the Comparison Level.
After assessment of these alternatives, the individual will seek reinforcement off significant others. If reinforcement is given, the individual, feeling sense of freedom and confidence, will start to shift their references and engage in role rehearsal of the potential new role.