Ganim, Helen Elizabeth, Psy D. California School of Professional Psychology, 2001. 122 pages. Adviser: Tori, Christopher. Publication Number: 3009221.

The purpose of this integrative literature review is to examine adolescent development in Arab society, with particular focus on the Lebanese, in order to convey to American clinicians useful information around the social concerns of Arab American adolescent girls who may struggle between two cultures: Arab and American. I examined several areas of Arab culture and adolescent development. First, an overview of Lebanon’s history provides a glimpse not only into Phoenicia’s contributions to civilization and their contact with the West. I noted that this multiculturalism has been maintained in present-day Lebanon. Additionally, I described the numerous invasions and the resulting animosity between Christians and Muslims. In Arab culture, religion has a pervasive influence on daily life.

Values, beliefs, and attitudes around family, socialization, female children, and the importance of honor were included. Christianity and Islam were briefly described along with each groups’ various denominations, such as Maronites or Sunni Muslims. Female adolescent development was then explored through the psychoanalytic theories of Sigmund Freud, Erik Erikson, and Peter Blos. Interpersonal relationships were emphasized. The last two chapters focused on mental health. How mental illness is perceived and manifested in Arab society was reviewed. In the final chapter, vignettes were applied to potential concerns Arab American girls may encounter while living in two cultural worlds. Clinical recommendations for treatment were suggested. The psychological literature on Arab mental health was sparse. Future research is recommended to enhance cultural awareness of the Arab culture.