Dr. Stephen Robbins, a renowned American management psychologist, has conducted a systematic analysis and profound study of culture shock, summarizing a compelling cycle theory of the "four stages of culture shock." This is highly applicable to the initial years of immigration.
Stage 1: The Honeymoon Phase (approximately the first month). Having just arrived in a brand-new environment, one often consciously or unconsciously views oneself as a tourist, busy sightseeing, shopping, and exploring every day. Everything is curious and fresh. Even if there are significant differences, one does not feel repulsed but rather finds them interesting. New immigrants in this stage are very excited and in a good state of mind.
Stage 2: The Disillusionment Phase (approximately the second and third months). After the sightseeing phase, the novelty wears off. The places that needed to be seen have been seen, the food that needed to be eaten has been eaten, and the items that needed to be bought have been bought. Seeing is not as good as hearing; once things one has yearned for for years are right in front of one, they are just that. In this stage, the new immigrant's sense of loss begins to emerge, and their mood begins to decline.
Stage 3: The Low Point Phase (approximately the fourth to sixth months). If the cultural differences in the first two stages were not very obvious, by this time, all the cultural differences of the new environment are laid bare to the new immigrant, exacerbating feelings of discomfort, dissatisfaction, and maladjustment. New immigrants return from the illusion of being a tourist to the reality of life: finding housing, finding a job, finding schools for their children, and other problems and difficulties emerge all at once, causing frustration. Facing various difficulties and setbacks, new immigrants increasingly miss the power, status, connections, family, and friends they once had, as well as the superior living conditions and environment where they had houses, cars, money, and access to prestigious schools. Faced with the stark contrast, the loss, frustration, confusion, and even regret after being thwarted roll in the new immigrant's heart like a mix of bitter, spicy, sour, sweet, and salty flavors. Many even consider returning home. This stage is their lowest point in mood and their worst period emotionally.
Stage 4: The Recovery Phase (approximately after half a year). After half a year of transition, the initial violent fluctuations tend to level off. New immigrants begin to slowly adapt to local cultural differences, and many negative mindsets gradually fade. Most new immigrants are able to face reality, convincing themselves to adapt to the circumstances and follow local customs. In this stage, the immigrant's state of mind gradually returns to a normal state.
