American Muslim Adolescent Daughters’ Perception of Maternal Relationships and the Influence on their Health Behaviors: A Conceptual Model

Abstract

Objectives: The goal of this qualitative research study was to better understand of how the mother daughter relationship shaped by different ecologies in a Muslim community in the United States (US) influences their daughters’ health behaviors. Methods: Using a criterion sampling strategy, 11 immigrant Muslim mothers and their American Muslim adolescent daughters aged 12-18 years who were born and also raised in the US were recruited (N=22) and interviewed. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed following phenomenological research methods. Results: Mothers in this sample explained that to share their health values with their daughters, they needed to be close, supportive, open-minded, and good listeners to them. The results revealed that daughters who perceived that their mothers’ values were shaped by 3 factors – religion, culture of origin, and acculturation were more likely to follow healthy behaviors. Conclusion: The findings and the conceptual model will help explain how these maternal factors can work together to shape American Muslim adolescent daughters’ health behaviors.