Abstract
Due to the increasing number of persons of Arab descent living in the United States, estimated at over 3.5 million in 2012, there has been a recognized need for a deeper understanding of acculturative, gender, and immigration-related stressors that Arab American women face. In response to this need, a one-day workshop for mental health professionals interested in or currently working with women of Arab descent living in the United States was developed. The workshop focuses on increasing knowledge of the various types of stress (e.g., acculturation, discrimination, gender role strain, parent-child relationships, care giver, familial, cultural expectations, work, school, etc.) experienced by Arab American women and providing culturally congruent stress reduction interventions. The development of the curriculum was informed by existing literature on people of Arab descent living in the United States, cultural issues in serving diverse populations, and stress management interventions. Interviews with 3 Arab American women were integrated with the literature and the 1-day workshop curriculum was developed. The curriculum was reviewed by 2 current practicing psychologists who rated the content, strengths, and weaknesses of the curriculum. Their feedback was incorporated into a compilation of suggestions and future directions for the refining and evaluating curriculum.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Dissertations (PsyD) -- Psychology; Arab American women -- Mental health -- Case studies; Cross-cultural counseling; Minorities -- Mental health -- Study and teaching
Date of Award
2016
School Affiliation
Graduate School of Education and Psychology
Department/Program
Psychology
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate
Faculty Advisor
Harrell, Shelly P.;
Recommended Citation
Abou-Ziab, Hoda, "Addressing stress and well-being among women of Arab descent living in the United States: development of a training workshop for mental health professionals" (2016). Theses and Dissertations. 721.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/etd/721