The mediational role of acculturative stress and self-esteem in the relationship between cultural identity conflict and psychological well-being in bicultural young adults

Abstract

In a globalizing world, the mental health of immigrants has become a topic of increasing concern. Research indicates that bicultural individuals are at higher risk of presenting poorer psychological well-being. This study aimed to explore the relationship between cultural identity conflict and psychological well-being and the mediating role of acculturative stress and self-esteem in this relationship. Through a cross-sectional design, 184 bicultural young adults (age range, 18-40) completed an online questionnaire assessing the following factors: cultural identity conflict, acculturative stress, self-esteem, psychopathological well-being, and satisfaction with life. Correlation analyses revealed that elevated cultural identity conflict was positively associated with acculturative stress and psychopathological symptoms and negatively associated with satisfaction with life. Additionally, mediation analyses revealed a mediating role of acculturative stress and self-esteem in the association between cultural identity conflict and psychological well-being. Based on these findings, it is proposed that interventions should be designed with the aim of endorsing biculturalism and promoting healthier coping mechanisms to address the mental health issues that arise from acculturation in bicultural young adults, thusly allowing them to better navigate between cultural frameworks as well as increasing their self-esteem and psychological well-being.