Cultural context also shapes our thoughts, emotions, and the relative significance of self and relationship needs in our lives. Attending to how culture shapes our experience of self and interpersonal relationships is, therefore, extremely important. Psychological symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and interpersonal problems, may be affected by issues stemming from cross-cultural communication, assimilation, and accommodation.

We all belong to diverse social groups and therefore possess different identities based on race, ethnicity, and culture. Cultural and social context are powerful in defining who we are, how we think, feel, emotionally react, behave, create meaning, and relate to others in relationships.

Sometimes individuals are challenged in their efforts to gain a sense of belonging as a result of identity differences and clashes. Relationships can also be challenging when two cultural worlds come together and must be negotiated in order to allow for authenticity and connection within the couple and family contexts.