Anxiety Disorders in Muslim American Youth: The Impact of Immigrant Generation and Perceived Discrimination

A recent study has shed light on the relationship between immigrant generation, perceived discrimination, and anxiety symptoms in Muslim American college students. The research, conducted at Loyola University, analyzed a sample of 157 students and found that second-generation Muslim Americans are at a heightened risk of psychological symptoms due to greater perceived discrimination. The study suggests that clinical interventions and advocacy efforts are necessary to address the high levels of discrimination faced by this group of students.

Key Takeaways:

• The study found that second-generation Muslim Americans reported significantly lower perceived discrimination than first- and third- or later-generation immigrants, which was linked to lower symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• The indirect effects of immigrant generation on depression and anxiety symptoms via perceived discrimination were statistically significant, but those via Muslim American identity were not.
• The study suggests that second-generation Muslim Americans are at a heightened risk of psychological symptoms due to greater perceived discrimination.
• The research highlights the need for clinical interventions and advocacy efforts targeting the high levels of discrimination faced by Muslim American students.
• The study's findings have important implications for mental health professionals and policymakers seeking to address the mental health needs of Muslim American youth.

Statistics:

• 157 Muslim American college students participated in the study.
• 75.2% of participants were female.
• The average age of participants was 21.16 years (SD = 3.69).
• 65.6% of participants identified as Arab or Middle Eastern, 19.2% as Southeast Asian, 6.4% as sub-Saharan African or Caribbean, 5.6% as European, and 3.2% as South or Central American.
• 23.6% of participants were first-generation immigrants, 54.1% were second-generation immigrants, and 22.3% were third- or later-generation immigrants.

Sources:

• American Journal of Orthopsychiatry. Research Conducted at Loyola University Has Updated Our Knowledge about Anxiety Disorders (Immigrant Generation and Mental Health Among Muslim American Youth: Pathways Through Perceived Discrimination and Muslim American Identity).
• Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 20, 2025; p 804.
• NewsRx. Research Conducted at Loyola University Has Updated Our Knowledge about Anxiety Disorders (Immigrant Generation and Mental Health Among Muslim American Youth: Pathways Through Perceived Discrimination and Muslim American Identity).
• American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 2025.