Abstract
Objectives
The aim of this research was to understand the acculturative experiences of British Shia Muslims, with hopes for practitioners to better understand how to support this population.
Design
Qualitative methodology was used, utilising semi-structured interviews. Braun and Clarke’s (Thematic analysis: A practical guide, Sage Publications Limited, 2022) reflexive thematic analysis was chosen to analyse the data and identify themes within 15 interview transcripts.
Methods
Recruitment took place through mosques, with inclusion criteria involving British Shia Muslim participants over 18 years, who had lived in England for a minimum of 5 years. First-, second- and third-generation participants were recruited.
Results
Five themes were identified, sitting under the main overarching theme, ‘navigating through multiple worlds’, which depicted acculturation as a fluid, complex journey, consistent with Schwartz et al.’s (American Psychologist, 2010, 65, 37) multidimensionality model of acculturation. These themes included: do I belong here, with subthemes of conflicting cultural values and who am I, the emotional toll of acculturation, with subthemes of negotiating authenticity and Muslim therapeutic support, negotiating faith in a secular society, living with layered discrimination, with a subtheme of Shia-specific discrimination and, finally, holding each other up: sources of strength.
Conclusions
This research demonstrates the multidimensional and complex journey of acculturation for British Shia Muslims. Through this, there is an emphasis on understanding more about the experiences of minoritised communities to improve their mental health support. The clinical implications to support this are diversifying the workforce, enhancing cultural competence and humility, adopting an intersectional approach and addressing discrimination.