Culture shock as a challenge and an opportunity for personal self-actualization

- Тягур, Любомира Миронівна (orcid.org/0000-0001-5106-2920) (2025) Culture shock as a challenge and an opportunity for personal self-actualization «Наукові інновації та передові технології» (Серія «Управління та адміністрування», Серія «Право», Серія «Економіка», Серія «Психологія», Серія «Педагогіка»), 5 (45). pp. 2187-2204. ISSN 2786-5274

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Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive theoretical analysis of the phenomenon of culture shock in the context of personal development, particularly its potential to initiate self-actualization processes. The relevance of the topic is determined by the increasing scale of intercultural mobility, especially forced migration, which is accompanied by significant psychological challenges, among which culture shock plays a central role. At the same time, in contemporary humanistic, existential, and positive psychology, culture shock is increasingly interpreted not only as a destructive experience but also as a potential growth point – a situation that activates reflection, rethinking of identity, and expansion of life perspectives. The article examines the structure and main stages of culture shock (honeymoon, frustration, adjustment, integration), as well as its psychological consequences, including emotional, cognitive, and behavioral changes. Special attention is paid to the conditions under which culture shock can be transformed into a resource for self-actualization: the presence of psychological support, an active subject position of the individual, the ability for deep reflection, and a supportive social environment (family, group, host culture). The article generalizes the theoretical foundations of self-actualization based on the concepts of A. Maslow, C. Rogers, and C. Jung. It is noted that borderline experiences – such as culture shock – can serve as existential triggers for deeper self-awareness and psychological transformation. Empirical cases (Y. Balashov, N. Karpenko, A. Kobzar, I. Popovych, and others) are cited to illustrate real examples of positive personal transformation following intercultural conflict. Based on a synthesis of theoretical and empirical sources, the article concludes that culture shock should be viewed not only as a crisis experience but also as a phenomenon with a dual nature: a threat and at the same time a resource for self-actualization, meaning-making, and the development of subjectivity. Future research directions include empirical study of personality transformation during intercultural adaptation, development of psychological support programs, and comparative analysis of self-actualization in voluntary versus forced migration.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	culture shock, self-actualization, personal development, crisis, migration, psychological adaptation, borderline experience, subjectivity, reflection, psychological support.
Subjects:	Science and knowledge. Organization. Computer science. Information. Documentation. Librarianship. Institutions. Publications > 1 Philosophy. Psychology Science and knowledge. Organization. Computer science. Information. Documentation. Librarianship. Institutions. Publications > 3 Social Sciences > 304 Social questions. Social practice. Cultural practice. Way of life (Lebensweise)
Divisions:	State institution of higher education «University of educational management» > Educational and scientific institute of management and psychology > Educational and scientific institute of management and psychology
Depositing User:	Доцент Любомира Миронівна Тягур
Date Deposited:	27 Jun 2025 08:02
Last Modified:	27 Jun 2025 08:02
URI:	https://lib.iitta.gov.ua/id/eprint/745809

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