Reading: "All about Culture Shock"
Culture shock refers to the feeling of disorientation experienced by people when they move to an unfamiliar 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 consists of four distinct stages: honeymoon, irritability, 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 irritability stage, the differences between the old and new culture become apparent and may create frustration or 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 fully and comfortably in the host culture. Adaptation or acceptance does not mean total conversion; people often keep many traits from their earlier culture, such as accents and languages. It is often referred to as the bicultural stage.
Culture shock may cause homesickness. This refers to the feeling of longing 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 positively and feeling grateful about what one has, and building new relationships.