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Understanding Generational Differences in Muslim American Mental Health Help-Seeking
Leena Badran1,2, Niveen Rizkalla3, Steven P Segal1
1School of Social Welfare, University of California Berkeley, USA.
Transcultural Psychiatry
|August 13, 2026
Summary
First-generation Muslim Americans often prefer private mental health care, while second-generation individuals show more openness to public services. Both generations utilize informal support and religious aspects in seeking care.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Mental health help-seeking is influenced by environmental, sociocultural, religious, and generational factors.
- Muslim communities' attitudes are shaped by religious teachings, cultural norms, and intergenerational dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore disparities in mental health help-seeking behavior between first- and second-generation Muslim Americans.
- To identify factors influencing mental health care utilization within these distinct generational groups.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 37 participants (16 first-generation, 21 second-generation Muslim Americans).
- A six-phase method was used to develop interview content codes and themes, employing a combined deductive and inductive approach.
Main Results:
- Four major themes emerged: acculturation effects (awareness, normalization, attitudes), intentions (private vs. public help-seeking), perceived behavioral control, and pathways to care (informal support, religious aspects, preference for Muslim therapists).
- Significant intergenerational differences were noted in acculturation and intentions, while perceived behavioral control showed shared pathways to care.
- First-generation participants leaned towards private help-seeking, whereas second-generation individuals displayed greater openness to public services.
Conclusions:
- Culturally adapted mental health services should integrate traditional and non-traditional cultural awareness.
- Addressing intergenerational gaps is crucial for enhancing mental health support within Muslim American communities.
- Services should acknowledge and incorporate religious aspects and informal support systems preferred by participants.
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