What is culture shock?

 

Culture shock refers to the feeling of disorientation experienced by people when they move to an unfamiliar¹ cultural environment or when they are suddenly exposed to a different way of life or set of attitudes. This can be the result of immigration or a visit to a new country, a move between social environments, or simply a transition to another type of life.

 

Culture shock stages

Culture shock consists of four distinct stages: honeymoon², negotiation³, adjustment, and adaptation. The honeymoon stage occurs when the individual sees the differences between the old and new culture in a romantic light. In the negotiation stage, the differences between the old and new culture become apparent and may create anxiety. The adjustment stage refers to the period when the individual grows accustomed to the new culture and develops routines. Finally, in the adaptation stage, individuals are able to participate fully⁴ and comfortably in the host culture. Adaptation or acceptance does not mean total conversion⁵; people often keep many traits from their earlier culture, such as accents and languages. It is often referred to as the bicultural stage.

 

Homesickness

Culture shock may cause homesickness. This refers to the feeling of longing⁶ for one's home. People suffering from culture shock typically experience a combination of depressive and anxious symptoms related to homesickness. Ways of coping with homesickness include developing a hobby, thinking positively⁷ and feeling grateful about what one has, and building new relationships.

 

Cultural shock is a natural phenomenon that occurs when one has a cross-cultural experience. Going through the different stages can take weeks, months or years. But ultimately, the experience can be enriching and may end up with either adaptation with the new culture or a return home.

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