Migration is not merely a physical relocation in an individual’s life; it is also a complex life event that leads to profound changes at psychological, social, and cultural levels. The migrating individual is required to reposition themselves within a new context by leaving behind their familiar social environment, language, cultural norms, and daily life practices. This situation brings with it an intense adjustment process that directly affects the individual’s sense of identity, feelings of belonging, and psychological balance. In the mental health literature, migration is considered among life events that challenge individuals’ coping resources and carry a high level of stress (Bhugra, 2004).
The migration process is not only an individual experience but also one that has relational and societal dimensions. While the migrant individual attempts to adapt to the expectations of the host society, they simultaneously have to redefine their relationship with their cultural origins. This dual pressure complicates the psychological adjustment process and may at times lead to intense emotional distress.
One of the most frequently encountered psychological phenomena during the migration process is culture shock. Culture shock is defined as the totality of cognitive, Emotions, and behavioral difficulties experienced by individuals while attempting to maintain their daily lives in an unfamiliar cultural environment (Oberg, 1960). Encountering a new language, different forms of communication, social norms, and value systems may create feelings of alienation, inadequacy, and loss of control in the individual.
Culture shock is not limited to practical adjustment difficulties; it may also lead to a Self-related temporary disruption in the individual’s sense of self and their way of making meaning of the world. Furnham and Bochner (1986) emphasize that culture shock is closely related to learning processes and creates an inevitable area of tension during the internalization of new cultural rules. During this process, individuals frequently experience anxiety, a sense of uncertainty, social withdrawal, irritability, and loss of motivation.
It is suggested that psychological adjustment related to migration is often experienced within the framework of certain stages. Ward, Bochner, and Furnham (2001) state that although the adjustment process is not linear, it includes some predictable phases. In the initial stage, individuals may experience relatively positive emotions such as hope, curiosity, and idealization regarding the new country. This period is defined as a “honeymoon” phase, during which individuals develop positive expectations about the new environment.
However, over time, as the practical difficulties of daily life, bureaucratic obstacles, language problems, and social limitations become more apparent, this period may give way to an adjustment crisis characterized by intensified feelings of disappointment, loneliness, anger, and anxiety. In this stage, the individual attempts to cope simultaneously with both the new cultural environment and the life left behind. In the later stages of the adjustment process, individuals may begin to develop more realistic expectations regarding the new environment and establish functional coping strategies.
The migration process is often intertwined with a multilayered experience of grief. The individual leaves behind not only a physical place but also familiar roles, social relationships, social status, professional identity, and expectations for the future. Akhtar (1999) emphasizes that migrant individuals often experience multiple losses that are difficult to recognize yet have profound effects, and that psychological adjustment may become more difficult when these losses are not adequately acknowledged.
This grieving process may not always be experienced openly or consciously. Some individuals may suppress their Emotions due to perceptions of the need to “be strong” or an obligation to “adapt,” which may lead to increased psychological distress in the long term. Recognizing and normalizing grief is of critical importance for psychological adjustment during the migration process.
One of the key factors determining psychological adjustment during migration is the individual’s relationship with the new culture. Berry’s (1997) acculturation model demonstrates that maintaining connections with the culture of origin while establishing a flexible and open relationship with the host culture serves a protective function for psychological well-being. In contrast, social isolation, experiences of discrimination, and loneliness are among the significant risk factors that complicate the adjustment process (Ward et al., 2001).
Psychoeducational approaches play an important role in understanding and normalizing the psychological changes experienced during the migration process. Recognizing that emotional reactions are a natural part of the migration experience rather than a sign of personal inadequacy may reduce feelings of guilt and shame (Furnham & Bochner, 1986). Additionally, coming together with individuals who share similar experiences reduces feelings of loneliness and strengthens community-based solidarity.
In conclusion, although the migration process involves intense psychological challenges, it may also create a space for transformation when appropriate informative and supportive frameworks are provided. Community-oriented and preventive psychoeducational interventions contribute to migrant individuals experiencing this process in a healthier, more meaningful, and more sustainable manner. These supports can strengthen Resilience and improve long-term adaptation outcomes.
References
Akhtar, S. (1999). Immigration and identity: Turmoil, treatment, and transformation. Jason Aronson.
Berry, J. W. (1997). Immigration, acculturation, and adaptation. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 46(1), 5–34. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1464-0597.1997.tb01087.x
Bhugra, D. (2004). Migration and mental health. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 109(4), 243–258. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.0001-690X.2003.00246.x
Furnham, A., & Bochner, S. (1986). Culture shock: Psychological reactions to unfamiliar environments. Methuen.
Oberg, K. (1960). Cultural shock: Adjustment to new cultural environments. Practical Anthropology, 7, 177–182.
Ward, C., Bochner, S., & Furnham, A. (2001). The psychology of culture shock (2nd ed.). Routledge.