My growing up in collectivist cultures in Southern California has offered some insight into the identity formation for many Asian American females. The individualist, capitalist culture of this country may cause conflict for many collectivist people as they transition into adulthood. It's a concept many professionals may confuse as unhealthy boundaries or enmeshment within one's family system, but when working with each person in therapy, a new culture and definition of normal must be explored.
Read moreGroup Loyalty in a Culture that Celebrates Individuality
Culture can shape definitions of normal, so it's important to consider an individual's terms on healthy boundaries and areas for improvement. Our definitions of self are most likely fluid, and can change per new information or life experience. This also applies to definitions of self, others, and healthy forms of interdependence.
