Stages of Adjustment

Importance of Cultural Adjustment

Chart from Becky JohnsonMissioNexus Talk

Culture Shock symptomsCulture shock is the most stressful and yet the most motivating force in learning your new culture.

Nancy Arthur in Counseling International Students

ABCs of Acculturation By Becky Johnson

Acculturation

Processes which occur, both psychological and behavioral, when two or more cultural groups, or their members, are in contact.

“A” for Affective - relating to our emotions

A for Affectivethe emotional piece

Affect: Stress and Coping Approach o Stress Levels o Expectationso Social Support• Social vs. Instrumental• Local vs. International

B for Behavior

B for Behavior

Behavior: Culture Learning Approach

• Verbal vs. Nonverbal communication

• Anxiety/Uncertainty Management• Second Language Learning • Expectations in Communication • Stress levels

C for CognitionWhat was I thinking?

C for CognitionWhat was I thinking?

Cognition: Social Identification Approach

• Verbal vs. Nonverbal communication

• Anxiety/Uncertainty Management• Second Language Learning • Expectations in Communication • Stress levels

U Curve Model

DMIS MODEL Developmental Model of Intercultural Continuum

Which model best describes cultural adaptation in your experience? Line up with U curve at one end, and IDI at the other

BATTLE OF THE MODELS DMIS vs U CURVE

VS

Individual Adaptation

Retain Old Culture

yes

no

yes

no

Integration Separation

Assimilation

Marginalized

Adopt New Cultural Identity

Group Adaptation

Retain Old Culture

yes

no

yes

no

Multicultural Segregation

Melting Pot Exclusionary

Adopt New Cultural Identity

How will you prepare for your transition?

Note your thoughts on your reflection sheet.