The Relationship Between Stigma and Helping-Seeking Behaviors Among Refugee, Asylum Seeker, Immigrant (RASI) Populations Specifically of Muslim Origin

Abstract

In order to understand the relationship between stigma and help-seeking behaviors in refugee, asylum seeker, and immigrant (RASI) populations in the United States, this review examines stigma and its various forms: public, perceived public, self, and stigma by association. Issues which RASI populations face when immigrating to the U.S. and the effects of integrating into a new culture on stigma are also discussed. An emphasis is placed on investigating these interactions in Muslim-specific populations in further detail due to increases in discrimination toward this group in the United States since 2016. The analysis concludes by examining ways that a counselor can actively change the course of stigma. Recommendations are proffered regarding being a culturally cognizant clinician in treating this population, which is currently seeing an increase in stigmatization in the United States.