Biopsychosocial perspectives on Arab Americans: An introduction

Abstract

This chapter provides an introduction to the text Biopsychosocial Perspectives on Arab Americans: Culture, Development, and Health. Included in this overview are definitions of key terms such as Arab American and Middle East, within a contemporary sociopolitical context. This context provides the backdrop for the book's rationale, given the push on national and international levels toward biopsychosocial approaches to health care for all individuals and communities. Immigration history, along with corresponding critical incidents, is reviewed, as well as resultant impacts on ethnic identity and other salient theoretical constructs relevant to the health and well-being of Arab Americans. Thematic and organizational structures within each of the three book sections as well as throughout the text are identified, and a brief description of each chapter topic is provided.