Arab American Adolescents’ Responses to Perceived Discrimination: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Racial discrimination is on the rise in the United States. Arab American Muslims is one group that has experienced an increase in perceived racial discrimination. Even less is known about Arab American Muslim Adolescents experiences of coping when faced with racial discrimination.  This study aims to highlight the lived experiences of Arab American adolescents’ perceived racial discrimination as it relates to their coping experiences. There were 10 (female=5; male=5) Arab American youth ages 13-17 and identified as Muslim. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling. Using a phenomenological approach, data were collected using semi-structured individual interviews and online journals. Validity was assessed via member checks and triangulation of data using multiple participants and sources.  The data were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis, guided by Risk and Resilience theory and Critical Race Theory. Results highlighted three positive and three negative ways participants experienced coping to perceived racial discrimination. Implications of this study can aid psychologists in promoting positive responses to racial discrimination while also helping students recognize negative responses. Understanding the way an adolescent responds provides better insight into their psychological well-being.