A mother's perspective: factors influencing the well-being/wellness of Muslim American children in the northeastern United States
Authors
Al-Abidi, Suzan
Date
6/21/2018
Type
text
electronic thesis or dissertation
electronic thesis or dissertation
Language
en_US
Keywords
immigrants , public schools , acculturation , social integration , minority group children , well-being , wellness , cultural awareness , cultural differences , cultural conflict , mothers , parent role , parent child relationship , family , emotional adjustment , Muslims , Islam , Islamic culture , ethnography , religious discrimination , teachers , administrators , community , personal narratives , qualitative study
Alternative Title
Abstract
Electronic Thesis or Dissertation
Description
This ethnographic research was conducted in the Northeastern U.S. to investigate factors influencing wellness/well-being among Muslim American children in this region from their mothers' perspectives, and to explore how Muslim mothers mediate challenges faced by their children in order to support their children's well-being. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with seven Muslim mothers from different countries, observation, and field notes. The ecological model and Hettler's definition of wellness were used as frameworks for understanding Muslim mothers' experiences. Using thematic analysis, two categories of themes emerged as research questions: 1) factors impacting wellness/well-being (discrimination, cultural friction, apprehension and fear, lack of awareness of Islam, and misalignment of organizational processes); and 2) mother's methods of mediating their children's challenges (nurturing, cultural accommodation, and acceptable adaptations within family practices. The study identifies its limitations and implications for future research.