What psychological condition is experienced when encountering an unfamiliar culture or way of life?

The phenomenon experienced when encountering an unfamiliar culture or way of life is known as culture shock. This psychological condition arises as individuals face challenges in adjusting to new cultural norms, values, behaviors, and social practices that differ significantly from their own. Symptoms of culture shock may include confusion, anxiety, disorientation, and a feeling of isolation, as individuals struggle to navigate the complexities of the new environment.

Culture shock typically occurs in stages, which can include excitement upon arrival, a period of frustration or anxiety as cultural differences become more apparent, and eventually adaptation or adjustment to the new culture. Understanding this process is crucial for individuals who may find themselves in a new cultural setting, whether through travel, relocation, or extended stays in a foreign country.

Cultural relativism, enculturation, and ethnography pertain to different concepts within cultural anthropology. Cultural relativism involves understanding a culture on its own terms without making judgments based on one's own cultural standards. Enculturation refers to the process by which individuals learn and adopt the culture they are born into, while ethnography is a research method used to study and describe cultures through immersive observation and participation. These concepts do not directly address the emotional and psychological experiences tied to adapting to unfamiliar cultural settings, making culture shock the