AAMC FL Practice Exam

Which term defines the feeling of disorientation when facing an unfamiliar culture or way of life?

1. Cultural transmission

2. Context effects

3. Culture shock

4. Socioeconomic gradient in health

The correct answer is: Culture shock

The term that defines the feeling of disorientation when encountering an unfamiliar culture or way of life is culture shock. This phenomenon typically occurs when individuals are exposed to a significantly different environment, whether it be through travel, relocation, or immersion in a new society. The emotional experience associated with culture shock can include confusion, anxiety, and a sense of isolation as one struggles to adapt to new social norms, language, and customs that are vastly different from their own. In contrast, cultural transmission refers to the process of passing cultural information and norms between generations or within a society, while context effects pertain to the influence that surrounding information has on perception and decision-making. The socioeconomic gradient in health refers to the observed relationship between individuals' social and economic status and their health outcomes, which is not related to the feelings of disorientation that arise from encountering a new culture. Understanding culture shock is essential for navigating cross-cultural experiences effectively.