Topic > A report on culture shock, its causes and treatments

IndexAbstractIntroductionBasic knowledge about culture shockPossible causes of culture shockConclusionReferencesAbstractCulture shock becomes a widely common phenomenon that negatively affects not only international students but also foreign workers across the world during the present time. This article, based on secondary research, discusses what culture shock is. In particular, three aspects are mentioned, including the definition of culture shock, its causes and some possible solutions to prevent and treat the person suffering from culture shock. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Introduction Nowadays, immigrating to a new country for economic reasons or for tourism becomes easier and more widespread. Therefore, culture shock is an important phenomenon worldwide. As defined by Matthew Maclachlan (2015), “culture shock is a natural state of psychological and physical disorientation that can occur when encountering a new environment and culture.” The loss of social support networks, independence, and the ability to communicate, combined with the differences and challenges of entering a new culture, are all factors that contribute to feelings of culture shock. This article, based on secondary research, discusses the reality, the causes and suggests some solutions with the aim of preventing and treating immigrants from culture shock. Basic knowledge about culture shock 2000 statistics based on the US census show that each year the largest immigrant groups over the past decade came from: Mexico (nearly 2 million, 25%); the Caribbean (11% - 836,200); China/Hong Kong/Taiwan (6.6% - 501,000); South America (5.8% - 443,000); Philippines (5.7% - 432,100) etc. Almost psychologists and anthropologists agree that almost most immigrants suffer from culture shock which includes many physical symptoms such as: headache, lethargy, insomnia, loss of appetite, digestive irregularities or psychological symptoms such as irritability, anger over minor frustrations, confusion about morals and values, feeling moody, isolated and insecure. It happens through 4 different phases. When a person arrives in a foreign country, at first he will find everything interesting and attractive. Subsequently, however, he will have to face numerous challenges in various aspects of his studies and daily life. All his predictions and plans will be changed, and stress will be the result of difficulties such as homesickness, feelings of loneliness, overwhelm, weather allergies and so on. This phase is called “negotiation”. After passing the second phase, he will have to get used to the new environment and develop his routine. Everything will be in order and he will learn how to face difficulties and solve them in a strong and confident way. He will also be able to enjoy life and encourage himself to carry on with everything. This is the final stage that illustrates the obvious changes in his mind, his lifestyle... Possible causes of culture shock Culture shock is caused by numerous causes analyzed and written by Miller and ISSN international business research, including important elements like language (64%); immigration policies (61%); mentality (mental attitude) (60%); education system (58%); interpersonal communication (body language, facial expression) (58%); food (57%) and others. However, it also depends on each individual from different regions and their ability of integration, communication, time management and so on. For example, the ISSN illustrates that language is the main element that causes culture shock for students from Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe, whileMost African and Western European students struggle with interpersonal communication, as well as politics and mentality. Culture shock also appears to be due to differences. Younger people, in fact, have to suffer much more than older people because they hardly have enough experience to overcome this phenomenon quickly. And gender difference is a less significant reason causing culture shock. Agreeing with this argument, the world-famous anthropologist Oberg spoke about the feelings and reactions of people studying and working abroad that, despite their ability to communicate and integrate, a number of challenges will put you under strong pressure that it leads you to feelings of tension, anxiety or even depression. The insights contained in Myron Loss's (1983) study are similar to the ideas provided when he highlighted the causes that lead foreign students and workers to culture shock. According to the writer, everyone arriving in a new country faces changes in language, culture, daily routine, relationships and may experience loss of understanding as well as emotional and evaluative disorientation. More generally, culture shock mainly results from a misinterpretation of the cultural values, beliefs, behaviors and norms of the new society. People ineffectively use their own culture as a standard for interpreting, judging, and behaving in the new culture. For example, collectivist societies (e.g. Mexico, Philippines) tend to place greater value on behaviors that promote independence and group goals. In contrast, individualistic societies (e.g. United States, Great Britain) tend to support behaviors related to independence from the group and individual goals. Culture shock also occurs because individuals do not know the reward and punishment systems associated with verbal and nonverbal behaviors in the host culture or because they cannot use their cultural references to convey and validate central aspects of their identity in the new culture. How to cure culture shock? Culture shock is a very widespread phenomenon from which every immigrant, in any capacity, finds himself suffering. Famous psychologists discover numerous measures not only to cure but also to prevent. Schmitt- a traveler and psychological researcher advises that to overcome culture shock you should learn as much as possible about your host country, for example by obtaining as much information as possible through the Internet, travel forums, guides, news or novels and preparing well in advance to move abroad. You should also talk to people who have been there or better yet come from there. Specifically, you need to broaden your communication network to receive advice and support, as well as learn as much as possible about what is considered polite or rude. For example, do you know that it's rude to step over someone's bag in Madagascar? The University of Sydney research output (July 2011) provides information on some strategies for promoting a 'cultural adventure'. First, it is advisable to keep everything in a positive perspective and give yourself motivation to overcome potential and challenging obstacles. You must always remind yourself that it is normal to feel stressed and exhausted, homesick, or even overwhelmed. Secondly, you really need to face the challenges that arise and get to know your new environment better because the more you know and the more familiar you are with your new environment, the more comfortable you will feel. Thirdly, to integrate well into the new environment, it is better to take time to engage in physical exercise and other pleasant activities (hobbies, sports,