Over 1.5 million Muslims live in the UK, many in poor socioeconomic circumstances and facing social exclusion and discrimination, yet there is a paucity of research on Muslim mental health, in particular on adolescents. This study investigates whether psychological distress is greater in Muslim adolescents in comparison with their non-Muslim counterparts and whether distress is associated with level of ‘Westernisation’, sense of ‘Britishness’ and perceived discrimination.
We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 14–16-year-olds in two large comprehensive schools. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Short Moods and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) were used to measure levels of psychological distress. Contrary to expectations, Muslim students had lower levels of psychological distress than all other religious groups at a statistically significant level (p=0.015). Family structure and academic achievement were found to be significant (p=0.009 and p=0.004, respectively) with the lowest levels of psychological distress being in Muslim students who lived with both biological parents and were doing more than nine GCSEs. Muslim students who were more Westernised, identified themselves as British and perceived less discrimination reported lower levels of psychological distress.
Belonging to a particular religious group may have protective effects on mental health possibly due to aspects of the religious community, such as social cohesion, family structure and support, or to aspects of the religion itself. However, these results need to be interpreted with caution as this is a limited exploratory study and further research is required.
This wouln't happen if they follow the deen properly
I think this theory's been around for a long time
"How many people find fault in what they're reading and the fault is in their own understanding" Al Mutanabbi
its because ISlam is not a erligion that you can practise on sundays and can leave for the rest of the week. its a way of life. and it clashes quite a bit with "britishness" hence.
Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?
But where does being "Westernised" begin and end? What would a practicing, but "British" Muslim be put on the scale? I don't know.
“Before death takes away what you are given, give away whatever there is to give.”
Mawlana Jalal ud Din Rumi
i dont think being "westernised" shoudl even be a term used. to Japan, we're the far east...
and which scales are we talking about? we should all be individuals at the core. and when we find something in common with someone else, we be friends. and when we find something not in common with someone else, we be friends too.
the world would be such a better place.
VOTE FOR LILLS!
Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?
Psychological distress can be caused by anything that is forced upon you instead of being from within.
It can also be caused by things unrelated to overall life systems and linked to specific things and actions and events.
The idea is to practice Islam and let God guide us to "success" - and this may or may not be the same as what we envisage as often to be successful it takes time and effort and sometimes during that time a persons priorities and needs and desires change.
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.
totally agree
Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?