Acculturation Stress or Cultural Conflict

A developmental context where a person had to navigate competing cultural values, norms, or expectations without adequate support or validation. This can occur when family, community, or societal cultures clash—such as differing beliefs about identity, success, gender roles, or belonging—leaving the individual feeling caught between worlds. Over time, this tension can contribute to chronic self-monitoring, identity confusion, pressure to assimilate or perform, and difficulty feeling fully accepted in any one context.