The mediational role of cultural identity conflict and loneliness in the relationship between bicultural stress and psychological symptoms in bicultural young adults

Abstract

Abstract Globalization and migration have led to increasing bicultural populations, creating both opportunities and challenges for mental health. This study examines the relationship between bicultural stress and psychological symptoms among bicultural young adults in the Netherlands, with the mediating roles of cultural identity conflict and loneliness. Through a cross-sectional design, 66 bicultural young adults (age range, 18-39) completed an online questionnaire assessing bicultural stress, cultural identity conflict, loneliness, and psychological symptoms. Correlation analyses revealed significant associations between higher levels of bicultural stress and increased cultural identity conflict, loneliness, and psychological symptoms. Mediation analyses showed that cultural identity conflict significantly mediated the relationship between bicultural stress and psychological symptoms. However, loneliness did not alone mediate this relationship. These findings highlight the importance of addressing cultural identity conflict and loneliness in mental health interventions for bicultural individuals. The study underscores the need for culturally adapted therapeutic approaches that facilitate identity integration and provide coping strategies for bicultural stress. Keywords: Bicultural stress, cultural identity conflict, loneliness, psychological symptoms