Alexandria West

Duke University | DU · Department of Psychology and Neuroscience

Intercultural romantic relationships are increasingly common and although the obstacles such couples face are well documented, the factors that facilitate their success are less studied. Although cultural differences may present challenges, they also offer opportunities for self-expansion—personal growth via new perspectives, knowledge, and identit...

Despite the growing prevalence of intercultural romantic relationships—in which partners identify with different racial, national or religious backgrounds—people in intercultural relationships still face marginalization and disapproval from others. Relationship marginalization sends a message to couples that they do not belong together, and partner...

A growing population of biculturals—who identify with at least two cultures—often frame switch, adapting their behavior to their shifting cultural contexts. We demonstrate that frame switching biculturals are perceived as inauthentic by majority Americans and consequently seen as less likable, trustworthy, warm, and competent compared to bicultural...

Intercultural romantic relationships are on the rise; however, intercultural marriages remain uncommon. This may be because intercultural relationships face unique challenges that put them at risk for lower levels of satisfaction and greater conflict. Previous literature suggests that relationship quality within relationships is often related to le...

Behaving consistently across situations is fundamental to a person’s authenticity in Western societies. This can pose a problem for biculturals who often frame switch, or adapt their behavior across cultural contexts, as a way of maintaining fit with each of their cultures. In particular, the behavioral inconsistency entailed in frame switching may...

With the rise of globalization, culture mixing increasingly occurs not only between groups and individuals belonging to different cultures but also within individuals. Biculturals, or people who are part of two cultures, are a growing population that has been studied in recent years; yet, there is still much to learn about exactly how their unique...

Identifying with multiple cultures is increasingly common. In negotiating their two cultures, biculturals engage different cognitive systems depending on contextual cues – a phenomenon called cultural frame switching. Effective cultural frame switching likely requires biculturals to attend closely to the surrounding context, and as a result, bicult...

Based on the framework of gene–environment interactions (G E), the gene–culture interaction framework demonstrates that a more complete understanding of thoughts and behaviors relevant to health may come from incorporating both genetic and cultural factors. Genes may interact with culture such that genetic predispositions lead to different outcomes...