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Arab American Acculturation and Ethnic Identity Across the Life Span: Sociodemographic Correlates and Psychological Outcomes

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Biopsychosocial Perspectives on Arab Americans
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Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of acculturation patterns and psychological correlates among Arab Americans across the life span. First, Arab American racial and ethnic identifications are analyzed within the historical context of waves of immigration to the USA. This history provides a backdrop to the diversity of present-day acculturation orientations, which are influenced by factors such as generation status, length of residence in the USA, religion, and discrimination. The chapter reviews correlates of these acculturation orientations, as well as protective factors that promote resilience and reduce acculturation stress such as ethnic identity, religiosity, and social support from family, friends, and community. Unique acculturation experiences are discussed for youth, women, and older adults. This chapter moreover critiques Arab American psychological acculturation scholarship, including mixed results in the literature, and limitations in concepts and methodologies. Notwithstanding these limitations, recommendations are offered for using research to inform community-based programming to enhance psychological well-being.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Throughout this chapter, the abbreviation “9/11” will be used to refer to the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center attacks.

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Correspondence to Mona M. Amer .

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Amer, M.M. (2023). Arab American Acculturation and Ethnic Identity Across the Life Span: Sociodemographic Correlates and Psychological Outcomes. In: Nassar, S.C., Ajrouch, K.J., Dallo, F.J., Hakim-Larson, J. (eds) Biopsychosocial Perspectives on Arab Americans. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-28360-4_8

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