Developmental and Risk Status of Toddlers from Arab American Families: What We Know About Families Today
Loading...
Date
2020-02-27
Authors
Felimban, Huda
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Arabic speaking families comprise a fast-growing community in the United States (US), and little research has been done to study the developmental outcomes of these toddlers and families. This study investigates the overall developmental and risk status of 191 toddlers from Arab American families, 18 – 36 months of age. Parents completed an online survey containing an overall screening of development, the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ3:AR), the Parental Stress Inventory: Short Form - Arabic (PSI:SF -AR) and a demographic form. Descriptive statistics indicated that 66% of the toddlers showed typical developmental based on the ASQ3-AR scores. Analyses of variance investigating relationships between environmental factors of toddlers’ development and parental stress suggested no significant relation. However, a correlational analysis comparing child development and parental stress was significant.
In addition to completing the online survey, 17 participants were interviewed to gather more in-depth information about family risk and resilience. Content-driven thematic analysis of parents’ responses revealed challenges in raising their children in the US including cultural differences, religion and language related challenges. Some of the techniques that parents used to overcome their challenges were building a community, practicing Arabic and teaching their children about religion and culture. Parents shared they felt they had fair access to services for their children. Based on the findings of this study, educational, community, and research implications are discussed.
Description
Keywords
Arab Americans, At-risk, Child development, Parental Stress