The Daily Struggle
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study is to show the unique experiences of four Muslim professionals in the mental health and psychology fields and their experiences with microaggressions and the effect it has on mental and physical health.
Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with four participants in order to provide insight into each individual experience. A brief look at Islamophobia in the west in order to provide social and political context.
Results and Conclusion: The four participants spoke of their exposure to uncomfortable and at times offensive occurrences having experienced all three forms of microaggressions: microinsults, microassaults, and microinvalidations. These incidents have resulted in the interviewees feeling a sense of isolation and frustration as well as anxiety and becoming physically sick. The four participants shared similar thoughts on uncertainty and being uncomfortable with how they handled a situation, struggles with articulating what has happened to them, and processing their thoughts and feelings. The study also mentions participants acquiring support from friends and family, having a good supervisor, being empowered by their faith, being mindful and engaging in meditation. These findings are important for expanding research and ultimately informing institutions and organizations on how to set the stage for inclusive policies and efficient outreach.
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