AAMC FL Practice Exam

What is often seen as the disorientation felt by individuals integrating into a new culture?

1. Life course approach to health

2. Culture shock

3. Recall cues

4. Socioeconomic gradient in health

The correct answer is: Culture shock

The term "culture shock" describes the feelings of confusion, disorientation, or anxiety that individuals experience when they encounter an unfamiliar culture or environment. This phenomenon arises as people navigate new customs, social norms, and practices that differ from their own cultural background. Culture shock typically occurs in several stages, which may include initial excitement, frustration, adjustment, and eventual acceptance. Individuals may struggle with communication barriers, differing values, and social expectations, leading to emotional distress and uncertainty as they attempt to adapt. In contrast, the other terms do not accurately capture this specific experience. The life course approach to health involves examining health outcomes and behaviors across an individual's life span, with a focus on the influence of social, economic, and environmental factors. Recall cues refer to stimuli that help individuals remember information, particularly relevant in cognitive psychology. The socioeconomic gradient in health describes the correlation between socioeconomic status and health outcomes, illustrating how individuals with lower socioeconomic status often experience worse health compared to those with higher status. Thus, culture shock is the most fitting term for the disorientation experienced when integrating into a new culture.