Are you turning into your mother-in-law?

Brooklyn Beckham's wife, Nicola, has been accused of morphing into her mother-in-law, Victoria Beckham, with everything from her hair colour to her outfit choices being influenced.

But while impersonation may be considered the highest form of flattery, clinical psychologist Dr Rebecca Ray said there may actually be a science behind it.

"We're talking about attachment and belonging here, so what we see is when the partner starts to adopt traits or behaviours that are similar to the in-law," she told Today Extra.

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"What is behind that is wanting to fit in and being fuelled by this desire to please and also to strengthen the connection with the partner as well."

In the case of Posh Spice and her new daughter-in-law's recent behaviour, Ray said it can seem performative because of their high profile as celebrities.

But she said it can still foster a positive dynamic in the family.

"I'd just be concerned that you're not turning yourself inside out and upside down to be someone that you're not," she said.

"I think it's really important to come at this from a place of authenticity to begin with."

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While mimicking a hairstyle, colour or fashion that your mother-in-law rocked first may improve the family dynamic, Ray said those doing it to seek approval from their in-law isn't necessarily a bad thing.

"I think when we're going for approval, what we're trying to do is make sure that we fit in with the new family and that's absolutely fine," she said.

"But when we're talking about fitting in, first and foremost, your validation needs to come from you first rather than you seeking worthiness outside yourself."

See what else Dr Ray had to say in the video above