This perspective paper aims to highlight the role of emotions and associated behavioral responses in the context of phase-outs in sustainability transitions. The authors argue that losses due to the phasing out of dominant practices, structures, and cultures can threaten core psychological needs, leading to what they term as 'transition pain.' They draw on psychological coping literature to explain that different forms of transition pain can elicit characteristic coping responses, such as opposition, escape, or negotiation, which shape individual meaning-making and behavior in ongoing sustainability transitions. The paper expands this psychological lens by presenting three additional perspectives: (1) transition pain is dynamic and process-dependent, (2) it is collectively shared and socially conditioned, and (3) it is political. The authors discuss how a 'coping with transition pain' lens can contribute to a better understanding of individual and collective meaning-making, behavior, and agency in transitions, as well as more emotion-sensitive governance of phase-outs. The paper emphasizes the importance of considering the social and cultural contexts in which emotions occur, as well as their political dimensions. It suggests that emotions can influence political positioning and democratic participation, and can be a source of information about what is perceived as just or desired. The authors conclude by highlighting the need to acknowledge and address the dynamics of phase-out processes and individuals' and groups' potential responses, to better understand and manage the transition pain experienced during sustainability transitions.This perspective paper aims to highlight the role of emotions and associated behavioral responses in the context of phase-outs in sustainability transitions. The authors argue that losses due to the phasing out of dominant practices, structures, and cultures can threaten core psychological needs, leading to what they term as 'transition pain.' They draw on psychological coping literature to explain that different forms of transition pain can elicit characteristic coping responses, such as opposition, escape, or negotiation, which shape individual meaning-making and behavior in ongoing sustainability transitions. The paper expands this psychological lens by presenting three additional perspectives: (1) transition pain is dynamic and process-dependent, (2) it is collectively shared and socially conditioned, and (3) it is political. The authors discuss how a 'coping with transition pain' lens can contribute to a better understanding of individual and collective meaning-making, behavior, and agency in transitions, as well as more emotion-sensitive governance of phase-outs. The paper emphasizes the importance of considering the social and cultural contexts in which emotions occur, as well as their political dimensions. It suggests that emotions can influence political positioning and democratic participation, and can be a source of information about what is perceived as just or desired. The authors conclude by highlighting the need to acknowledge and address the dynamics of phase-out processes and individuals' and groups' potential responses, to better understand and manage the transition pain experienced during sustainability transitions.