Arab First-Generation Immigrants’ Wishes and Attitudes Toward Marital Counseling in Canada

Abstract

ABSTRACT A mixed method study explored the attitudes and wishes of Arab first-generation immigrants (n = 86) in Canada regarding marital therapy. Results suggested positive attitudes toward seeking marital therapy, and overall attitudes significantly related to the likelihood of seeking marital therapy. Orientation to Canadian or Arab culture was associated with positive or negative attitudes toward marital therapy. Thematic analysis suggested participants wished counselors understood cultural norms and its impact on marriage, religious beliefs, native language, and shame and stigma toward counseling, while using a straightforward counseling style. Participants wished to improve communication, resolve marital conflict, have a supportive third-party, and acculturation support. Recommendations from this study for clinicians include building foundational understanding of the Arab culture, challenging bias, updating knowledge, assessing couple’s acculturation, and connecting with communities and religious leaders to inform them of counseling services.