Teasing apart the role of identity and help-seeking intentions among Arab/MENA and South Asian Muslim Americans

Abstract

Culture's impact on health outcomes is understudied. While prior research explored how acculturation impacts the help-seeking intentions of Muslim immigrant populations, no research has teased apart the roles of ethnic, religious, and American identity centrality and their impact on help-seeking intent for Arab/MENA and South Asian Muslims. Utilizing a sample of 132 emerging adult Arab/MENA and South Asian Muslim Americans (n = 77 and n = 55, respectively), a hierarchical linear regression was conducted, testing for significant predictors and moderating effects of ethnic affiliation. Results indicated ethnic identity centrality and American identity centrality were significant predictors for both groups; the influence of religious identity centrality on help-seeking intention was moderated by ethnic affiliation. These results suggest the nuances of identity vary between groups within the American Muslim immigrant community. Researchers and clinicians should be cognizant of these identities when implementing interventions or conducting research among these populations.