Health and well-being in Arab Americans: Prevention strategies using a biopsychosocial approach

Abstract

This chapter summarizes how taking a biopsychosocial approach to the study of Arab Americans holds promise as a means of promoting health and well-being and preventing disorders and disease. To best understand the needs of Arab Americans, it is important for practitioners and researchers to consider the biological, psychological, and social contexts of individuals within systems and subsystems. Ecological models span disciplines in the social and medical sciences and thus theoretically integrate the many complex factors involved. Recent advances in applying preventive intervention strategies to mental, emotional, behavioral, and medical problems are reviewed, and recommendations are made for future research and practices. Arab Americans and the Arab Diaspora globally, including immigrants and refugees, are discussed in terms of developing future strategies focused on preventing disorders and disease, and developing social policies aimed at prevention.