Factors affecting Arab Americans' psychological health: Culture, religion, acculturation, and experiences of discrimination

Arab immigrants have been settling in the United States since 1870. They immigrated in three distinct waves, each wave bringing unique characteristics that shaped the adjustment of its members to life in the United States. In addition to the difference in immigrant waves, Arab Americans come from a rich and diverse cultural heritage that includes different religions, ethnicities, languages, nationalities, education levels, and social classes. However, Arab Americans have been neglected in psychological research and, consequently, little is known about their psychological adjustment and acculturation experiences.The need for such information is fueled by Arab Americans' large presence in the United States, their increased presence at mental health agencies, and their concerns and needs associated with a unique cultural and religious heritage. In addition, because of the current political climate, Arab Americans suffer from damaging stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination, which complicate their acculturation and affect their psychological health.In the hope of assisting clinicians in providing culturally congruent treatment to their Arab American clients, in this doctoral project, I review the theory and research available on factors that affect Arab Americans' psychological health, including their acculturation and their prejudice and discrimination experiences. I then review research and clinical impressions on psychotherapy with Arab Americans and present recommendations based on this review.