Which of the following is NOT characteristic of the Reintegration stage?

The Reintegration stage is part of a cultural adaptation model that describes how individuals interact with and understand a new culture after initial exposure. Within this stage, individuals often experience confusion and misinterpretation as they adjust to the new cultural norms and values.

Choosing the characteristic of increased understanding of the new culture does not align with the Reintegration stage because, at this point, individuals may develop misconceptions and a narrow focus on the cultural differences rather than fully understanding or embracing the new culture. The dominant emotions during this stage can include frustration and a sense of alienation, leading to a decrease in cultural understanding.

In contrast, familiar characteristics of the Reintegration stage include holding misperceptions about different cultures, illustrating the challenges faced during this phase of adaptation. Additionally, individuals might struggle with cultural differences rather than embracing them, further confirming that their understanding might not necessarily increase during this time. Therefore, recognizing that increased understanding does not characterize the Reintegration stage clarifies its defining features.