Acculturation, Mental Health, and Help-Seeking Behaviours of Muslim Adults Living in Australia

Abstract

This exploratory study seeks a deeper understanding of Australian Muslims by examining their acculturation preferences, mental health status, coping strategies, and attitudes towards help-seeking. A cross-sectional convenience sample of 324 Australian Muslim adults, recruited via non-probability snowball sampling and social media advertisements, completed either online or paper questionnaires in either English or Arabic. Acculturation, ethnic identity (MEIM), psychological distress (K10), coping (active and passive), help-seeking (ATSPPHS-SF), and demographic variables were measured. Participants were relatively young and female, with high religiosity, education, and psychological distress. Over 78% were Australian-born, and almost 85% had lived in Australia for over 15 years. Although integration was the preferred acculturation strategy across all generations, results indicated acculturation and self-identity was influenced particularly by age, ethnic identity, religiosity, and generation. For instance, first-generation Australian Muslims were older, had stronger ethnic identity and religiosity, and more commonly self-identified as non-Australian (i.e. felt separated from the mainstream Australian population). By contrast second- and third-generation were younger, less attached to their ethnic culture and more likely to self-identify as bicultural or Australian. Psychological distress was highest among those born overseas, less attached to religion, and younger in age. The most utilised coping strategies were passive in nature. Help-seeking was often a last resort involving informal methods like seeking guidance from religious advisors. The findings suggest that mental health support should focus on overseas-born Australian Muslims and younger persons (18-25 years), and that religious instruction may assist in the management of distress. Future qualitative research would provide an in-depth understanding into these matters.