Risk and resilience on learning outcomes in diverse Muslim youth

Muslim youths in the U.S. are facing mental health issues due to discrimination, bullying, and islamophobia, which may impact academic learning outcomes. However, there is considerable diversity in Muslim youth: the vast majority immigrating from or have parents from various geographic regions: Southeast Asia, Middle East, North Africa, Europe, etc. A few studies have reported group differences with discrimination regarding the Muslim population. Given the different cultural contexts and intersections of identities, more research is needed to better understand how the diversity of Muslim youth in the U.S. may require different tailored interventions and prevention programs that foster positive learning outcomes. This review paper starts by reviewing research reporting factors impacting the well-being of Muslim youth. Then, it highlights differences in experiences that may affect learning outcomes, such as geographic region, ethnicity, immigration status, minority status, and income level. It also discusses protective factors that may help buffer negative learning outcomes derived from experiencing discrimination, bullying, and islamophobia. Lastly, it provides suggestions for future research to help develop tailored interventions. A better understanding of how factors impacting well-being and learning outcomes differentially affect subgroups of Muslim youth, will allow for more nuanced, holistic understanding of an underserved, but growing population.