Third Culture Identity and Mental Health
Written by Dr. Alejandra Feliz, PsyD
Third Culture Identity & Mental Health
Being a third culture individual represents a truly unique experience. As a third culture individual myself, as well as a clinical psychologist, I am writing this as someone who both feels and recognizes the importance of this experience.
This journey, marked by navigating multiple cultures, languages, and communities, offers a broadened perspective of the world, yet it frequently accompanies a nuanced form of loneliness. Third culture loneliness stems not from isolation but from the complexity of belonging everywhere and nowhere simultaneously. It's an ironic twist of fate - being part of diverse communities while grappling with the feeling of not being entirely enough of one or the other.
What does that experience do to our sense of identity? A big part of the story we tell ourselves can include our race, ethnicity, and culture, as well as other identities we hold. And when it feels like we can’t fully be part of one or the other (or both), where does that leave us?
What is a Third Culture Individual/Kid?
The concept of a "third culture individual/kid" refers to someone who has spent a significant part of their formative years outside their parents' culture, often due to their family's relocation. This unique upbringing can lead to a rich multicultural perspective, but it also comes with its own set of mental health challenges. It's important to approach these challenges with both understanding and care, recognizing the nuanced experiences of those who navigate multiple cultural identities.
Impact on Belongingness:
One of the primary mental health concerns for third culture individuals is the feeling of not fully belonging to any one culture. Studies show that belonging is both a biological and social need, and it promotes feelings of safety and wellbeing.
Lacking this can lead to a sense of rootlessness and isolation, as you may struggle to fully integrate or feel accepted in either their host or home culture. This identity limbo can impact one's self-esteem and lead to feelings of loneliness or alienation.
Being a third culture individual might also mean that we may have had experiences vastly different from those our parents did at our age. We might have different views and values, shaped by the environments we have spent time in. It might mean not quite fitting in with your friends and the other people around you. As a result, individuals might feel like no one quite “gets” them. And yet, it is so important to feel seen and understood, biologically and socially.
Therapy for 3rd culture
It's essential to create spaces where our unique experiences are acknowledged and validated. Many spaces aren’t designed with our unique cultural identity in mind, so it’s important to seek out spaces that support our ongoing exploration of our identities.
In therapy, this might include encouraging open conversations about identity, belonging, and cultural differences can help mitigate feelings of isolation. Additionally, seeking support from mental health professionals who understand the nuances of cross-cultural experiences can be incredibly beneficial.
Strengths Based Approach:
Although there are some uniquely challenging aspects of being a third culture individual, our experience can also be incredibly enriching. It's crucial to remember that this complex identity can also be a source of strength and those strengths deserve to be acknowledged and emphasized. The ability to navigate and blend different cultural norms and values can foster resilience, adaptability, and a deep sense of empathy towards others. Being part of multiple cultures and communities can allow us to have a broader perspective of the world and others. It can also help us develop strong communication skills, being able to be flexible and adaptable in a range of situations.
My story:
I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, and I moved to the United States during adolescence. At this point of my life, I have literally spent half of my life in the US and the other half in the DR. Somehow, despite the significant amount of time in each place, I find myself feeling untethered and disconnected from either side at times. I find myself feeling “too American” in certain spaces, like when I visit family, but yet “too different” with friends and acquaintances in New York. Not enough of this, nor enough of that. I feel as though my experience is probably similar to that of many third culture individuals.
Given my own personal experiences, I hold a unique understanding of multicultural individuals, navigating the pulls and pushes from all different sides. I know it’s important to find a clinician that you feel understood by, and for third culture individuals that can feel like a rare experience. Although we might not share the exact same background or have had the same experiences, I believe my background makes me suited to help support and guide third culture individuals throughout their mental health journeys. My hope is to help you embrace your uniqueness and use it as a strength. After all, our ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, empathize with their struggles, and celebrate their differences is a gift that not everyone possesses.