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

Abstract

Discrimination is a chronic issue in the United States. Arab American Muslims are one group that has experienced an increase in discrimination in recent decades. This study aimed to highlight the lived experiences of Arab American adolescents' perceived discrimination as it relates to their coping experiences. The sample comprises ten (female = 5; male = 5) Arab American Muslim-identified youth between the ages of 13 and 17. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling. Using a phenomenological approach, data were collected using semi-structured individual interviews and online journal writing. Validity was assessed via member checks and data triangulation using multiple participants and sources. The data were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis, guided by Risk and Resilience Theory and Critical Race Theory. The results revealed three positive and three negative ways that participants coped with perceived discrimination. Understanding how adolescents respond suggests ways to foster their psychological wellbeing by promoting positive responses to discrimination while also helping youth to recognize negative responses.