Coping with culture shock: a study of stressors, adjustments and stereotypes among chinese students at bangkok university

Symptoms of culture shock

In honeymoon phase, intense excitement and euphoria associated with being somewhere different and unusual (Neuliep, 2003). The stresses associated with cultural differences are tolerated and may even seem fun and humorous (Neuliep, 2003). During this phase, nearly everything appears wonderful. The food is exciting; the people seem friendly. Although you may experience some of the symptoms such as sleepless and mild anxiety, enthusiasm and curiosity quickly overcome these minor discomforts (Dodd, 1982).

In the crisis or cultural shock phase, failure events once considered minor and funny are now perceived as stressful. Winkelman (1994) maintains that culture shock is partially based on the simultaneous effects of cognitive overload and behavioral inadequacy that are rooted in the psychological and physical stresses associated with confronting a new environment (Neuliep, 2003). During the phase, you begin to feel more anxious, restless, impatient, and disappointed. It seems you have more difficult time saying what you mean (Dodd, 1982).

In the recovery phase, it includes crisis resolution and culture learning (Ward, Bochner, & Furnham, 2001). During the phase, you have learned a lot more about the culture, and while you still do not like something, you now like more things than a few months ago (Dodd, 1982). By now, you have become more accustomed to the foods,

sights, sounds, smells, and nonverbal behaviors of the new culture (Dodd, 1982). Also, you have fewer headaches and upset stomach problems and less confusion, uncertainty, and loneliness. And you physical health and mental health have improved (Dodd, 1982).

In the last phase, adjustment phase, reflecting enjoyment of and functional competence in the new environment (Ward, Bochner, & Furnham, 2001). It is achieved as one develops stable adaptation in being successful at resolving problems and managing the new culture (Winkelman, 1994).

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