Program/Event
8th Biennial APA Division 45 Research Conference
Abstract
Background: As a result of exposure to traumatic media depicting the Gaza genocide, many Arab Americans are moved to speak up in support of Palestine. Due to the suppression of pro-Palestinian advocacy, however, many Arab Americans self-censor as a defense mechanism, which can alleviate distress but can also exacerbate depressive symptoms. Belongingness may serve as a protective factor against the negative effects of self-censorship. Centering Arab Americans’ experiences, this study examines the relationship between self-censorship and depression, as well as the role of belongingness in this association.
Method: Arab Americans adults recruited through Qualtrics Survey Panels completed questionnaires assessing self-censorship, depression, and belonging. We conducted a series of regression analyses to investigate the relationship between self-censorship and depression and explore the role of belongingness to Arab American identity as a moderator.
Results: Data from 418 Arab Americans (mean age=36.39; SD= 7.76, 82% men) showed a significant positive linear relationship between self-censorship and depression, highlighting that more self-censorship was associated with increased depressive symptoms (b=0.11, t(389)=5.833, p
Conclusions: Increased self-censorship about Palestine is associated with more depressive symptoms among Arab Americans within the context of the Gaza genocide. Contrary to expectations, more feelings of belongingness exacerbated the negative effects of self-censorship on depression. These findings underscore the importance of examining self-censorship within the context of Arab American mental health while considering the influence of belongingness to one’s cultural identity.
Recommended Citation
Habeeb, Ghadir; Jiang, Amanda; Alderawi, Batool; Mekawi, Yara; and Al-Dajani, Nadia
(2025)
"Depression, Belonging, and Self-Censorship about Palestine Among Arab Americans,"
The Cardinal Edge: Vol. 3:
Iss.
2, Article 2.
Available at:
https://ir.library.louisville.edu/tce/vol3/iss2/2