Adolescence in immigrant Arab families.
Author: Timimi, Sami B.
Source:
Psychotherapy: theory, research, practice, training, 32(1), 141
Focuses on the mental health problems encountered in adolescents from immigrant Arab families. An argument is made against hasty generalizations and for proper regard to be given to the sociocultural background of the family, the importance of the family in Arabic culture, and to understanding Arab attitudes toward female sexuality. Adolescence is conceptualized as a stage in the family life cycle most likely to reveal the tensions involved in the transition from one culture to another, with new patterns of conflict and structural changes emerging as a result. Clinical issues and case illustrations relating to help-seeking behavior, engaging families, the impact of migration, professional boundaries, individual work, and eating disorders are also discussed.