Association of acculturative stress, Islamic practices, and internalizing symptoms among Arab American adolescents.

Abstract

Although the numbers of Arab American immigrant youth in schools is increasing, there is little understanding of their mental health and the sociocultural factors that might influence it. This study examined the relationship between 2 sociocultural factors (i.e., acculturative stress and religious practices) and internalizing symptoms in first- and second-generation Muslim Arab American adolescents. Adolescents (n = 88) ages 11 to 18 completed measures related to acculturative stress, religious practices, internalizing symptoms, and general demographic information. Results of multiple regression analyses found that acculturative stress significantly predicted internalizing symptoms. Gender was found to moderate this association. No differences in the reported acculturative stress and internalizing symptoms were found between youth of different generational status (i.e., first- vs. second-generation). Finally, adolescents' organizational religious practices, but not their private religious practices, were found to be associated with lower acculturative stress. Implications are discussed related to how school psychologists can provide culturally responsive services to this population. (PsycINFO Database Record

A Cross-Sectional Study of Psychological Flexibility as a Mediator for the Relationship Between Acculturative Stress and Cardiovascular Health Behaviors Among Second-Generation Arab Americans

“…Additionally, female participants may face intergenerational conflicts on social-related relationships, especially with the opposite gender and honor-related issues such as marriage and dating (Rasmi et al, 2014). Another study of Muslim Arab American adolescents found that younger participants with greater affiliation to the Arab culture had higher AS than older participants (Goforth et al, 2016).…”

“…Generally, the acculturative stressors may include social, attitudinal, familial, and environmental factors (Mena et al, 1987). Goforth et al (2016) noted that second-generation ArAm may face conflicts in balancing the differing value systems of their parents and peers; intergenerational conflicts or contradictory identities may contribute to undue stress. The findings from research on AS among ArAm have been inconsistent.…”

“…The findings from research on AS among ArAm have been inconsistent. In studies of first generation Muslim adolescents, respondents with higher Arab affiliation and stronger religious beliefs reported lower AS (Goforth et al, 2016). In a sample of second-generation ArAm, older, female, and Muslim participants reported higher Arab ethnic practices; however, the degree of AS was not significantly different across demographic subgroups (Amer & Hovey, 2007).…”

Experiences of Arab heritage youth in US schools and impact on identity development

“…School psychologists are designated child advocates who are expected to provide culturally responsive practices (Goforth, Pham, Chun, Castro-Olivo, Yosai, 2016; National Association of School Psychologists, 2010). Indeed, school psychologists play a critical role in facilitating a supportive environment for Arab American students to acculturate healthily.…”

“…At the systems level, school psychologists can invite school staff to examine their biases, either as an open suggestion or through structured cultural competency trainings or meetings. In disseminating information about Arab culture and perhaps religious practices of some Arabs (Islam), it is important to be cautious that stereotypic information is not perpetuated (Goforth et al., 2016). School psychologists can work with school staff to review curriculum coverage of Arab history and culture, and provide formal opportunities within the school setting for students to express themselves culturally.…”