Cultural Shock and Adaptation

physical illness from stress-induced reductions in immune system universal features of cultural shock require adjustments based on an
functioning. awareness of cultural shock, the use of skills for resolving crises, and
Cognitive fatigue. A major aspect of cultural shock and the resultant acceptance that some personal change and behavioral adjustment is
stress is cognitive fatigue (Guthrie, 1975), a consequence of an “information fundamental to cultural shock resolution and adaptation. This is not to say
overload.” The new culture demands a conscious effort to understand things that an individual must assimilate, but one must accommodate (acculturate),
processed unconsciously in one’s own culture. Efforts must be made to understanding the local culture and the means of adapting effectively.
interpret new language meanings and new nonverbal, behavioral, contextual, Adaptation requires suspending at least some culturally based reactions
and social communications. The change from a normally automatic, (practicing cultural relativism) to become more tolerant of the local culture.
unconscious, effortless functioning within one’s own culture to the This does not mean that one must give up one’s identity, values, or culture.
conscious effort and attention required to understand all this new Many individuals (e.g., international students) may effectively manage
information is very fatiguing and results in a mental and emotional fatigue cultural shock without making major changes in their personality or
or burnout. In my experience, this has been manifested in tension headaches preexisting lifestyle. The challenge is doing so in a new cultural
and a desire to isolate myself from social contact, particularly in the latter environment that does not provide the accustomed supports.
part of the day as the cumulative information overload increases. Taft (1977) suggested that managing cultural shock and immersion in
Role shock. Roles central to one’s identity may be lost in the new another society is a special case of human adaptation that should be
culture. Changes in social roles and interpersonal relations affect wellbeing addressed in the context of socialization, resocialization, and individual
and self-concept, resulting in “role shock” (Byrnes, 1966). One’s identity is group relations. This requires adaptation in personality functioning to
maintained in part by social roles that contribute to well-being through achieve emotional comfort; change in reference groups and social identity to
structuring social interaction. In the new cultural setting, the prior roles are achieve a sense of belonging; acquiring new cultural knowledge, skills,
largely eliminated and replaced with unfamiliar roles and expectations. This attitudes, and perceptions; and adopting new culturally defined roles to
leads to role shock resulting from an ambiguity about one’s social position, permit functional integration (Taft, 1977). Rhinesmith (1985) suggested
the loss of normal social relations and roles, and new roles inconsistent with cultural shock be resolved in a three- step process of cause diagnosis,
previous self-concept. For instance, dependence relations may no longer be reaction analysis, and intcrcultural adjustment.
supported, or conversely, a previously independent person may have to A social-lcarning-theory approach that combines cognitive and
accept a dependent relationship with an authority figure. behavioral strategies is well suited for cross-cultural training and
Personal shock. I suggest the notion of personal shock as an aspect of effectiveness (Black & Mendenhall, 1990). Successful management of
cultural shock resulting from diverse changes in personal life. This includes cultural shock depends on awareness of the experience, a cognitive
loss of personal intimacy (Adelman, 1988) and loss of interpersonal contact orientation that directs one toward successful adaptation, and the
with significant others such as occurs in separation grief and bereavement development of behavioral skills that lessen or resolve cultural shock. To
(Furnham & Bochner, 1986). One’s psychological disposition, self-esteem, successfully manage cultural shock, particularly in situations of cultural
identity, feelings of well-being, and satisfaction with life are all created immersion, it is necessary to address a sequence of issues: predeparture
within and maintained by one’s cultural system. Losing this support system preparation, transition adjustments, personal and social relations, cultural
can lead to a deterioration in one’s sense of well-being and lead to and social interaction rules, and conflict resolution and intcrcultural
pathological manifestations. Rhinesmith (1985) suggested that cultural effectiveness skills. These are different points at which an individual,
shock may induce a “transient neurosis,” a temporary emotional disorder, counselor, or trainer can assist with interventions for more effective
with more critical cases having features resembling acute psychosis with management and resolution of cultural shock. The counselor’s job is first to
paranoid features (see crises phase as previously described). Kohls (1979) stabilize the individual and then to facilitate his or her adjustment to a stable
suggested that the major and severe symptoms of cultural shock may include adaptation through cultural learning.
withdrawal and excessive sleeping, compulsive eating and drinking, Predeparture preparation. Assessment of one’s ability to adapt to a new
excessive irritability and hostility, marital and family tensions and conflicts, culture (e.g. Harris & Moran, 1987, Appendixes A-D; Redden, 1975; Smith,
loss of work effectiveness, and unaccountable episodes of crying. Although 1986) is a good first step before even going to a new culture. Not all
these symptoms can characterize a variety of other maladies, if “the individuals are equally prepared to accept the rigors of cultural shock and
symptoms manifest themselves while one is living and working abroad, one adaptation, nor are they disposed to change in the ways necessary to
can be sure that cultural shock has set in” (Ferraro, 1990, p. 143). acculturatc effectively. One needs to be realistic about the necessary
Awareness of the pathological aspects of cultural shock permits more changes and aware of the problems inevitably encountered in living in a
effective management by reducing reactions and providing the basis for foreign country.
insight, change, and adaptation. Personal shock is augmented by One can minimize cultural shock by preparing for problems and using
occurrences in the new culture that violate one’s personal and cultural sense resources that will promote coping and adjustment. It is necessary to
of basic morals, values, logic, and beliefs about normality and civility. recognize that problems that occur in cross-cultural contact necessarily
Value conflicts contribute to a sense of disorientation and unreality, involve cultural shock and necessarily affect one. The tendency is to deny
increasing the sense of pervasive conflict with one’s surroundings. that cultural shock has anything to do with the problems being confronted.
As an adaptation strategy, one should accept that all atypical problems
Strategies for Managing Cultural Shock and Adaptation during cross-cultural adaptation are caused by or exacerbated by cultural
Although some aspects of cultural shock adaptation vary as a function of shock, and that one’s typical negative reactions will be increased. This
individuals’ characteristics, their intents and needs, and the cultural and provides the perspective for reframing problems in a manner that fosters
social contexts of adaptation (Taft, 1977), others are universal. The greater tolerance and implementing problem-resolution strategics.

Journal of Counseling & Development • November/December 1994 • Volume 73 123

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