The Psychology of Culture Shock

What skills are most critical for adjusting to an unfamiliar culture?How is technology changing the experience of culture shock?Why do people experience reverse-culture shock when they return home?The Psychology of Culture Shock combines solid research with intriguing examples to debunk some long-held beliefs about culture shock and provide insight into this phenomenon – what it looks like, what causes it, and the conditions that put someone most at risk. It explores how the experience of culture shock is shaped by qualities of the individual traveller – or sojourner – such as their personality, cognitive style, intercultural experience, and language proficiency, as well as by characteristics of the situation, such as the length of the stay, availability of social support, and the receptivity of the host culture to newcomers. Through a deeper understanding of the challenges of crossing cultures, The Psychology of Culture Shock offers advice for those seeking to ease their transition into an unfamiliar environment and to harness the experience to promote greater personal growth and intercultural learning.