Document Type
Thesis
Publication Date
5-14-2026
Abstract
This paper examines child mental health and development within the MENA diaspora, with a focus on how stigma, cultural dynamics and structural barriers shape mental health outcomes. Existing research has mainly focused on adult populations, while MENA children remain overlooked and underrepresented in mental health discourse. Using Minority Stress Theory and the Social Determinants of Health Framework, this paper delves into how individual and systemic factors contribute to disparities in care. Findings highlight that stigma, family hierarchy, religious beliefs, and acculturative stress influence how individuals define and address mental illness, while structural barriers including, but not limited to, discrimination and restricted access to culturally responsive care affect help-seeking behaviors. These findings highlight the need for culturally responsive and individualized interventions in an effort to achieve greater institutional accountability and improve mental health outcomes among MENA youth.
Recommended Citation
Aarab, Marwa '26, "Between Roots and Realities: Child Mental Health in the Middle Eastern and North African Diaspora" (2026). Student Research. 719, Scholarly and Creative Work from DePauw University.
https://scholarship.depauw.edu/studentresearchother/719
Comments
Completed as part of PSY493: Senior Thesis with Dr. Phoenix Crane, DePauw University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience.