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Culture Shock

The term, culture shock, was introduced for the first time in 1958 to describe the anxiety produced when a person moves to a completely new environment. This term expresses the lack of direction, the feeling of not knowing what to do or how to do things in a new environment, and not knowing what is appropriate or inappropriate. The feeling of culture shock generally sets in after the first few weeks of coming to a new place.

We can describe culture shock as the physical and emotional discomfort one suffers when coming to live in another country or a place different from the place of origin. Often, the way that we lived before is not accepted as or considered as normal in the new place. Everything is different, for example, not speaking the language, not knowing how to use banking machines, not knowing how to use the telephone and so forth.

The symptoms of cultural shock can appear at different times. Although, one can experience real pain from culture shock; it is also an opportunity for redefining one's life objectives. It is a great opportunity for leaning and acquiring new perspectives. Culture shock can make one develop a better understanding of oneself and stimulate personal creativity.

Symptoms:

Sadness, loneliness, melancholy

Preoccupation with health

Aches, pains, and allergies

Insomnia, desire to sleep too much or too little

Changes in temperament, depression, feeling vulnerable, feeling powerless

Anger, irritability, resentment, unwillingness to interact with others

Identifying with the old culture or idealizing the old country

Loss of identity

Trying too hard to absorb everything in the new culture or country

Unable to solve simple problems

Lack of confidence

Feelings of inadequacy or insecurity

Developing stereotypes about the new culture

Developing obsessions such as over-cleanliness

Longing for family

Feelings of being lost, overlooked, exploited or abused

Stages of Culture Shock

Culture shock has many stages. Each stage can be ongoing or appear only at certain times. The first stage is the incubation stage. In this first stage, the new arrival may feel euphoric and be pleased by all of the new things encountered. This time is called the "honeymoon" stage, as everything encountered is new and exciting.

Afterwards, the second stage presents itself. A person may encounter some difficult times and crises in daily life. For example, communication difficulties may occur such as not being understood. In this stage, there may be feelings of discontent, impatience, anger, sadness, and feeling incompetence. This happens when a person is trying to adapt to a new culture that is very different from the culture of origin. Transition between the old methods and those of the new country is a difficult process and takes time to complete. During the transition, there can be strong feelings of dissatisfaction.

The third stage is characterized by gaining some understanding of the new culture. A new feeling of pleasure and sense of humor may be experienced. One may start to feel a certain psychological balance. The new arrival may not feel as lost and starts to have a feeling of direction. The individual is more familiar with the environment and wants to belong. This initiates an evaluation of the old ways versus those of the new.

In the fourth stage, the person realizes that the new culture has good and bad things to offer. This stage can be one of double integration or triple integration depending on the number of cultures that the person has to process. This integration is accompanied by a more solid feeling of belonging. The person starts to define him/herself and establish goals for living.

The fifth stage is the stage that is called the "re-entry shock." This occurs when a return to the country of origin is made. One may find that things are no longer the same. For example, some of the newly acquired customs are not in use in the old culture.

These stages are present at different times and each person has their own way of reacting in the stages of culture shock. As a consequence, some stages will be longer and more difficult than others. Many factors contribute to the duration and effects of culture shock. For example, the individual's state of mental health, type of personality, previous experiences, socio-economic conditions, familiarity with the language, family and/or social support systems, and level of education.

How to Fight Culture Shock

The majority of individuals and families that immigrate from other countries have the ability to positively confront the obstacles of a new environment. Some ways to combat stress produced by culture shock are:

Develop a hobby

Don't forget the good things you already have!

Remember, there are always resources that you can use

Be patient, the act of immigrating is a process of adaptation to new situations. It is going to take time

Learn to be constructive. If you encounter an unfavorable environment, don't put yourself in that position again. Be easy on yourself.

Don't try too hard.

Learn to include a regular form of physical activity in your routine. This will help combat the sadness and loneliness in a constructive manner. Exercise, swim, take an aerobics class, etc.

Relaxation and meditation are proven to be very positive for people who are passing through periods of stress

Maintain contact with your ethnic group. This will give you a feeling of belonging and you will reduce your feelings of loneliness and alienation

Maintain contact with the new culture. Learn the language. Volunteer in community activities that allow you to practice the language that you are learning. This will help you feel less stress about language and useful at the same time.

Allow yourself to feel sad about the things that you have left behind: your family, your friends, etc.

Recognize the sorrow of leaving your old country. Accept the new country. Focus your power on getting through the transition.

Pay attention to relationships with your family and at work. They will serve as support for you in difficult times.

Establish simple goals and evaluate your progress.

Find ways to live with the things that don't satisfy you 100%.

Maintain confidence in yourself. Follow your ambitions and continue your plans for the future.

If you feel stressed, look for help. There is always someone or some service available to help you. You may want to check out Information and Resources.

Dr. Carmen Guanipa

Last revised March 17, 1998.,

Dept. of Counseling and School Psychology, San Diego State University.