Protective Factors Against Depression in Immigrant Muslim Youth

Purpose: Recent events have brought attention to the Muslim community; however, little is known about the experiences of immigrant Muslims in the US. Even less is known about the well-being of Muslim youth. This study examined the association between family support, religion, racism and depression in Muslim youth. It was hypothesized that strong family support and religiosity would be inversely associated with depression, while racism would be positively associated with depressive symptoms.

Methods: One hundred and seventy-five Muslim youth, mean age 15.7 (S.D. 3.1), were administered questionnaires that included the Perceived Social Support – Family Scale, Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire, Islamic Perceived Racism Scale, and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). A score of ³24 on the CES-D indicated significant depressive symptoms. Linear regression models were developed to examine the association between predictor variables of interest and depression symptoms.

Results: Subjects reported high levels of religiosity, moderate levels perceived racism, and family support. Youth reported a mean score of 23.6 (S.D. 9.5) on the CES-D; 45% of the children had a score ³ 24. Significant inverse associations were found among family support (β=-0.25;p<0.01), religion (β=-0.26, p<0.01), and depression. Additionally, racism had a positive association with depression (β=0.22, p<.01). Conclusion: The results from this study suggest that depressive symptoms are inversely associated with family support and religiosity. Perceived racism is positively associated with symptoms of depression. Preventative interventions targeting depressive symptoms among immigrant Muslim youth should address racism and strive to integrate religion and family support strategies.