What is Culture Shock?
Culture shock is a psychological condition that happens to adults who are adjusting to a new culture. People in culture shock exhibit certain symptoms and behaviors but with good preparation, it can be lessoned. Children do not experience culture shock in the same way as adults--they go through an "enculturation process" instead.
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Identification
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Kalvero Oberg, a Canadian born U.S. citizen, used the term "culture shock" for the first time in 1954 during a speech to the Woman's Club of Rio de Janero. He was an anthropologist whose multi-cultural work led him to observe and describe this condition as a psychological adjustment to a new culture. Culture shock involves both stress and anxiety.
Features
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People who are experiencing culture shock go through four basic stages as they learn how to function in a new culture. First they see through rose colored glasses as in a "honeymoon." The new culture provides fun and adventure. Soon, though, the fact that they really must adapt to the new culture sinks in and the second stage of culture shock begins. This is characterized by a desire to run away from the whole experience. The third stage of culture shock involves even more resistance. The person in culture shock fights with the ideas, values and expectations of the new culture. Finally, culture shock resolves with the fourth stage, acceptance. The person figures out how to fit in.
Types
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Changes in weight may indicate that a person is experiencing culture shock. So can an obsessive increase in washing or cleaning. Avoiding social contact, sleeping too much and homesickness are all additional symptoms of culture shock. These physical symptoms may also be accompanied by some unusual behaviors. People who were tremendously excited about experiencing a new culture may refuse to leave their hotel rooms or apartments. They may even refuse to touch the people whose culture they are visiting.
Effects
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Culture shock may be the cause of a sudden increase in irritability in a person who may also become critical or begin to complain a lot more than normal after traveling to a new culture. If, all of a sudden, someone begins to express that his or her own culture has no problems, refuses to learn the new culture's language, or fears the food, water or the prospect of being cheated, you should ask whether this person may be suffering from culture shock.
Prevention/Solution
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While culture shock is normal when adults must adjust and function in a new and different cultural setting, it can be managed with preparation. Reading about the new culture before going there is an important strategy. Often travel agencies and international businesses can provide tips about a culture that can help the traveler to avoid making inappropriate comments or gestures. After arriving, it is helpful to be alert to the symptoms of culture shock so that when you begin to experience any of them you can guard against the worst confusion and stress. It is a good idea to give yourself permission to take a break, withdraw, and recompose yourself to prevent the worst symptoms from taking root. When you return home, don't be surprised if you experience a fifth phase of culture shock in reverse.
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