Date of Award

Summer 6-19-2019

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

PhD Counseling Psychology

Department

Professional Psychology and Family Therapy

Advisor

Minsun Lee, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Matthew Graziano, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Corinne Datchi, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Jason D. Reynolds (Taewon Choi), Ph.D.

Keywords

Muslim American women, interfaith, interfaith couples, relationship experience

Abstract

The events of September 11, 2001 critically impacted the identity of Muslim Americans in the United States and spurred attention to their experiences within the psychological literature. Prior literature has rarely explored these individuals’ within-group differences, defined Muslim American identity as bicultural, or explored experiences of being in a romantic relationship. This study was intended to address the gaps in the literature by focusing on the bicultural identity and the experience of interfaith relationships among Muslim American women. The following research questions guided this study: 1) How do Muslim American women experience their romantic relationship with a non-Muslim partner? 2) How do Muslim American women experience their identity in the context of their romantic relationship with a non-Muslim partner? 3) How do Muslim American women experience their family’s reactions and stigma within the family or community, if any, in regard to their romantic relationship with a non-Muslim partner? The research was conducted using qualitative methods. The findings of the study revealed three contrapuntal voices, the Defenders of Cultural History, the Cloaking the Love, and the Voice of Rebellion which captured the collective experiences of six Muslim American women. Limitations, implications for future research, and recommendations were discussed.

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