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Culture shock involves a powerful, transformative process that takes place at both the individual and societal levels as important cultural forces are clashing. This article provides an account of the impact that culture shock has on individual identity and invites reflection on the social implications of culturally diverse encounters. A theoretical framework represented by the stages of culture shock developed by Paul Pedersen is described, and examples from the author’s personal and professional experiences are used as illustrations. In the effort to learn more about ourselves and the dynamic world in which we live, the author suggests that becoming more aware of and sensitive to the experience of culture shock can facilitate the development of expanded, more inclusive identities.

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Author information

Ioana Cupsa

Ioana Cupsa is a psychologist and Provisional Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst (psychotherapy) who maintains a private practice as a psychotherapist, supervisor, and trainer under supervision in Timisoara, Romania. For the last 4 years, she has been living with her family in Switzerland, where she is interested in developing her practice. She can be reached at 86 rue de la Grande Fin, Attalens, 1616 Switzerland; email: .

Funding

The author received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
 

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