cultural norms

If the individual feels isolated from his or her culture, unaccepted by the ‘majority culture’ and has a lack of social support, a consequent sense of rejection, alienation and poor selfesteem may occur. During the stages of migration, there may be factors that predispose individuals to mental disorders. Pre-migration factors include the personality structure of an individual, forced migration, and persecution, among others. Migration factors include bereavement, culture shock, a discrepancy between expectations and achievement, and acceptance by the new nation are potential post-migration factors These factors can be thought of as vulnerability factors along with biological, social and psychological variables. For example, personality structure can be thought of as a biological factor as well as in cultural terms. Personality is influenced by cultural factors and influences patterns of child rearing, responding to stress and accepting social support. National character and personality factors are interlinked.