The Implications of Multiple Minority Identities on Muslim American Mental Health
The primary study of the lab currently focuses on the implications of having multiple marginalized identities on Muslim American mental health.
PURPOSE OF STUDY
Mental health research among individuals belonging to minority groups has become increasingly common, as people belonging to these groups face increased vulnerability for mental health problems and barriers to accessing mental health services. However, the research has primarily focused on individuals holding single minority status (i.e., belonging to just one minority group). Limited research has begun to examine mental health among individuals with dual minority status (i.e., belonging to two minority groups), despite the fact that individuals with multiple marginalized identities are likely at even greater risk for mental health challenges and barriers to help-seeking, given the increased experiences of minority stress they may experience. Thus, greater research is needed to better understand mental health needs and factors that influence mental health for individuals with multiple minority status.
Most Muslim Americans hold multiple marginalized identities, as both religious and ethnic minorities. Given the position of Muslims in the United States, studying this community offers a unique opportunity to understand how having multiple marginalized identities relates to mental health and mental health service-seeking.
STUDY DETAILS
Part 1: Muslim American Young Adult Survey
A survey of over 300 participants across the country was conducted. Data collected includes participant demographics, level of identification with different identity groups (specifically their racial/ethnic group and their religious group), level of “Muslim prototypicality” (i.e., how “visibly Muslim” do they appear?), experiences of direct discrimination, perceptions of state- and nation-level discrimination, sense of belonging in different contexts, mental health symptoms (anxiety, depression, traumatic stress, and substance use), perceived impact of COVID-19 and 2020 racial violence on mental health, past experiences with mental health counseling, where they would seek mental health support if needed, barriers to help-seeking for mental health, and cultural code-switching (e.g., having to “switch” between ethnic, Muslim, and American identities).
Part 2: Focus Groups with Southern California Community Stakeholders
6 focus groups of Muslim mental health professionals, community leaders, and young adults in Southern California were conducted. The focus groups addressed the following topics: the perceived mental health needs of Muslim young adults, the perceived determinants of mental health (i.e., what factors contribute to mental health problems), the role of culture and religion in mental health, and barriers and facilitators of mental health service-seeking.
STUDY STATUS
Data collection has been completed, and the study is currently in the data analysis phase.