The Different Phases Of Culture Shock

Migration and human exchange between countries are quite common in this growing globalized world. There are so many reasons why individuals move from their home country. Although most people are aware of the challenges of this decision, they are not always aware of the different stages of culture shock.

It is something  that one can experience during the first few years.

The need to adapt to a new culture, a new language and a different lifestyle creates a real emotional effect. That’s what culture shock is all about. In other words, it is an experience in which emotions, such as fear, sadness, euphoria, confusion, and insecurity, in a way prevail.

However, it is not something static or continuous. A migrant will go through different stages that have their own characteristics until they manage to adapt to the new environment. This process can take several years.

The different phases of culture shock

Several authors have studied the impact of a new culture on those moving from one country to another. In this connection, Lysgaard’s “U-curve” theory from 1955 claims that  three stages in the process of cultural adaptation stand out. To begin with, one feels euphoria or joy, then cognitive dissonance and imbalance and finally stability.

However, it was the subsequent theory of Gullahorn and Gullahorn from 1963 that gained greater influence. According to this theory, there are five phases in culture shock and they are arranged as a “W”. These cognitive and emotional ups and downs are how a migrant adapts to his or her new place of residence.

The “W” curve and the five phases of culture shock

1. Wheat bread days

Joy and euphoria stand out in this initial stage. The host country is fascinating, stimulating and new. You also tend to perceive the differences according to your own culture as positive, and you are motivated to learn and collaborate. Furthermore, one still feels closely connected with one’s identity and past relationships.

2. Culture shock

This happens when the special is worn out and the new reality becomes annoying, cold and strange. The migrant does not understand the values ​​and the way of living at the new destination and does not share it. He or she begins to think that he or she is feeling better in his or her home country.

There are feelings of hostility, anxiety, frustration and sadness and also somatic symptoms. The social support network he used to have (family and friends) now seems very far away and inaccessible.

3. Initial adjustment

During the adjustment phase, positive and pleasant emotions re-emerge. The new culture and its ways are now familiar and understandable. The immigrant has now reached a sufficient level of comfort, and loneliness is no longer so pronounced. The person’s perspective is now more objective and practical and he or she is ready to enjoy his or her new routine.

4. Mental isolation

This phase usually occurs after a visit or a trip to the home country. Things have changed at home, and the person no longer feels that he or she belongs there. Therefore, it affects his or her sense of belonging.

The person feels trapped between two worlds and no longer believes that he or she belongs to any of them. However, there is a longing for a past that no longer exists.

Furthermore, he has already established a routine in the host country. There is no longer any news value or stimulation, and at this point he or she stops thinking about how much he or she misses his or her old life. The feeling of isolation and loneliness is prevalent.

5. Customization

Eventually, the immigrant becomes familiar with the culture, ways, and values ​​of the new country. He finally adapts to the way of life and work in the new country without feeling alienated or frustrated. He is comfortable and feels at home.

To overcome the various phases of culture shock

It can take several years to go through the various stages of this cultural adaptation process. Furthermore, it is important to emphasize that this process is not linear. The phases can change and repeat several times before finally adapting. 

Knowing the existence of these phases can help one understand and normalize the emotions one is experiencing. In this connection, the feeling of insecurity becomes less. It’s because you finally know what to expect. Hopefully, all migrants will succeed in completing this process.