This paper explores the role of emotions in phase-outs during sustainability transitions, emphasizing the concept of 'transition pain' as a psychological response to losses. It argues that phase-outs, which involve the discontinuation of dominant practices, structures, and cultures, can lead to emotional distress, particularly for individuals and groups deeply embedded in these systems. The paper draws on psychological theories of coping and emotion to explain how different emotional responses to loss can shape individual and collective behavior in transitions. It highlights that transition pain is dynamic, socially and culturally embedded, and politically influenced. The paper also discusses how emotions play a crucial role in shaping meaning-making, behavior, and agency in transitions. It suggests that a 'coping with transition pain' lens can enhance understanding of individual and collective responses to phase-outs, as well as improve governance of transitions by considering emotional dimensions. The paper emphasizes the importance of recognizing the social and cultural contexts of emotions and their impact on transitions, and calls for a more integrated approach to studying phase-outs that includes emotional and psychological perspectives. It concludes that understanding and managing transition pain is essential for effective sustainability transitions.This paper explores the role of emotions in phase-outs during sustainability transitions, emphasizing the concept of 'transition pain' as a psychological response to losses. It argues that phase-outs, which involve the discontinuation of dominant practices, structures, and cultures, can lead to emotional distress, particularly for individuals and groups deeply embedded in these systems. The paper draws on psychological theories of coping and emotion to explain how different emotional responses to loss can shape individual and collective behavior in transitions. It highlights that transition pain is dynamic, socially and culturally embedded, and politically influenced. The paper also discusses how emotions play a crucial role in shaping meaning-making, behavior, and agency in transitions. It suggests that a 'coping with transition pain' lens can enhance understanding of individual and collective responses to phase-outs, as well as improve governance of transitions by considering emotional dimensions. The paper emphasizes the importance of recognizing the social and cultural contexts of emotions and their impact on transitions, and calls for a more integrated approach to studying phase-outs that includes emotional and psychological perspectives. It concludes that understanding and managing transition pain is essential for effective sustainability transitions.