Reverse Culture Shock
Reverse culture shock is the emotional and psychological distress suffered by some people when they return home after a number of years overseas. This can result in unexpected difficulty in readjusting to the culture and values of the home country, now that the previously familiar has become unfamiliar.In a business context, the advent of globalization has resulted in more and more employees being sent on lengthy assignments to other countries. With the number of expatriates who live and work in countries other than their own having increased in recent years, reverse culture shock is a phenomenon that is on the rise.
Reverse Culture Shock
Definition: Reverse culture shock refers to the emotional and psychological distress experienced by individuals who return to their home country after living abroad for an extended period. This phenomenon can make it difficult to readjust to the culture and values of their home country, as what was once familiar may now seem foreign.
Origin: The concept of reverse culture shock emerged in the mid-20th century as globalization accelerated, leading to an increase in the number of people living and working abroad. With the growing number of expatriates and international students, reverse culture shock has become a widely recognized phenomenon.
Categories and Characteristics: Reverse culture shock can be categorized into the following types:
- Emotional Shock: Feeling lonely, lost, or depressed upon returning home due to a sense of disconnection from the local culture and social environment.
- Psychological Shock: Difficulty readjusting to the lifestyle and values of the home country, which can lead to psychological discomfort, anxiety, and depression.
- Social Shock: Changes in relationships with family, friends, and colleagues, making it challenging to rebuild social networks.
Case Studies:
- Case 1: After studying in the United States for five years, Li returned to China and found it difficult to readjust to the local pace of life and social interactions. He felt lonely and lost, even considering going abroad again.
- Case 2: Mr. Zhang worked in Japan for ten years and, upon returning home, found his relationships with family and friends had become distant. Their lifestyles and values had changed significantly, causing Mr. Zhang to feel uncomfortable and confused.
Common Questions:
- How to cope with reverse culture shock? Engaging in social activities, seeking psychological counseling, and maintaining an open mindset can help alleviate reverse culture shock.
- How long does reverse culture shock last? The duration of reverse culture shock varies from person to person, typically taking several months to a year to readjust.
