Muslim Identity, Dress Code Adherence and College Adjustment among American Muslim Women

Abstract

Prior research indicates that one's sense of group belonging may be a crucial factor in adjustment as he or she adjusts to new social environments. Given the recent increase in negative sentiment towards Muslims in the United States since the terrorist attacks of 9/11, American youth who strongly identify with the ostracized group may experience difficulty as they make the transition to college and try to become part of the larger society. This transition may be particularly challenging for American Muslim women, many of whom are highly visible because of their adherence to the Islamic dress requirements that are specific to women. The current study investigates the relationship between Muslim identity, adherence to Islamic standards of dress, and college adjustment using survey data from a sample of 53 Muslim American women. A multiple regression analysis revealed that Muslim identity and level of adherence to Islamic standards of dress were significant predictors of adjustment in college. Participants who reported a higher Muslim identity reported lower college adjustment. Participants who reported dressing with a higher level of adherence to Islamic standards of dress reported better college adjustment.