Kiranjeet Multani

Islamophobia: Understanding, Impact, and Trauma-Informed Care

Islamophobia is a multifaceted issue that encompasses individual, societal, and structural

manifestations of discrimination and hatred towards Islam and Muslims. This essay delves into
Islamophobia, its effects on physical and mental health, and the urgent need for trauma-informed care to
address its consequences in healthcare settings. The essay draws from various scholarly articles, shedding
light on the impact of Islamophobia on Muslim communities and proposing strategies for healthcare
professionals to provide effective and compassionate care.

Islamophobia refers to social stigma towards Islam and Muslims, manifesting as dislike of Muslims as
a political force and taking the form of xenophobia and racism towards Muslims or those perceived to be
Muslim (Samari, 2016). Despite critiques about potentially euphemizing the issue of anti-Muslim hatred
and racism, the term Islamophobia remains widely used in health literature (Furqan, 2022). At various
levels, Islamophobia results in physical violence, microaggressions, travel restrictions, hate crimes, and
discriminatory policies and legislation (Samari, 2016; Furqan, 2022). Tragic incidents like the London
family killings and the Quebec mosque massacre underscore the lethality of anti-Muslim hatred in Canada
(Furqan, 2022).

Research shows that experiencing Islamophobia is associated with poorer physical and mental health
outcomes. Samari et al. state, "Emerging research shows that experiencing Islamophobia is associated
with poorer physical and mental health" (Samari, 2018). Moreover, intersectional oppression exacerbates
the negative impacts, as Black Muslim people and visibly Muslim women experience disproportionately
greater rates of Islamophobic violence and discrimination. Samari et al. emphasize, "Intersectional forms
of oppression seem to exacerbate negative impacts, given that Black Muslim people and visibly Muslim
women experience disproportionately greater rates of Islamophobic violence and discrimination" (Samari,
2018).

Hassouneh's study highlights the impact of anti-Muslim racism on women's health. She argues that
anti-Muslim racism is a social determinant of health that intersects with gendered experiences. Hassouneh
states, "Anti-Muslim racism has health implications and intersects with other forms of oppression,
including patriarchy and colonialism, which have significant health consequences for Muslim women"
(Hassouneh, 2007).

The detrimental effects of Islamophobia have significantly impacted Muslim children as well. The
study "Growing Up Muslim: The Impact of Islamophobia on Children in a Canadian Community" by
Elkassem et al. explores these effects and sheds light on themes of fear, hypervigilance, and identity
disturbances experienced by Muslim children in the aftermath of tragic incidents like the Quebec mosque
massacre (Elkassem, 2018). Additionally, the cumulative effects of Islamophobia on help-seeking
behaviour and trust in healthcare systems are discussed. It emphasizes the urgency for trauma-informed
care to support and protect Muslim children facing the repercussions of Islamophobic attitudes and
actions (Elkassem, 2018).

The study conducted in southwestern Ontario among Muslim children highlights three prominent
themes concerning the impact of Islamophobia: fear, hypervigilance, and identity disturbances (Elkassem,
2018). Muslim children experience fear from the heightened awareness of Islamophobic violence in their
communities. Elkassem et al. assert, "Themes of fear emerged, including fears of being physically
attacked or being targets of discrimination based on their visible Muslim identities" (Elkassem, 2018).
The pervasive nature of Islamophobia leads Muslim children to adopt a state of hypervigilance. The
authors state, "Children spoke of feeling hypervigilant and hyperaware of their surroundings, scanning for
potential threats in both public and private spaces" (Elkassem, 2018). Islamophobia affects Muslim
children's sense of self and identity. The study reveals, "Children described disruptions to their sense of
self as a result of Islamophobia, sometimes questioning their religious and cultural identities" (Elkassem,
2018).

Elkassem et al. highlights that the cumulative effects of Islamophobia can lead to less help-seeking
behaviour and diminished trust in healthcare systems (Elkassem, 2018). The fear and hypervigilance
experienced by Muslim children may deter them from seeking help or disclosing their experiences to
adults. The study notes, "Children were reluctant to discuss their fears of Islamophobia with adults due to
a perceived lack of understanding and support" (Elkassem, 2018). Repeated exposure to Islamophobia can
erode Muslim children's trust in healthcare systems. The authors state, "Participants noted that they were
unsure whether disclosing experiences of Islamophobia to healthcare providers would be met with
empathy and understanding" (Elkassem, 2018).

Zainab Khan's study sheds light on the mental health consequences of Islamophobia on Muslim
post-secondary students. She found that participants experienced "anxiety, fear, depression, stress,
helplessness, and hopelessness" due to their encounters with Islamophobia (Khan, 2021). These
detrimental emotional responses highlight the urgent need to address the mental well-being of Muslim
students facing discrimination and hatred. Furthermore, Khan's research reveals some coping strategies
adopted by Muslim post-secondary students to navigate the impact of Islamophobia. These strategies
include "seeking social support, maintaining a strong connection to their religious and cultural identities,
and engaging in self-care practices" (Khan, 2021). Understanding these coping mechanisms can assist
healthcare professionals in providing tailored support to Muslim students dealing with the effects of
Islamophobia on their mental health.

Another crucial finding from Khan's study is the stigma surrounding mental health within the Muslim
community. Participants expressed hesitation to seek professional help for their mental health issues due
to concerns about stigma and judgment (Khan, 2021). This stigma further exacerbates the challenges
faced by Muslim post-secondary students in accessing appropriate care for their mental well-being. The
tragic London attack had a profound impact on Muslims around the country, leading to feelings of fear
and vulnerability. In Zainab Khan's interviews with Muslim students, they discussed how the attack
affected their daily lives and the precautions they take - One participant shared their concern for their
family's safety, stating, "I tell her like, don't go out with wearing traditional clothing" (Khan, 2021). The
attack has caused many Muslim individuals and families to rethink their safety and take measures to
protect themselves from potential harm.

The study emphasizes the need for trauma-informed care to address the effects of Islamophobia on
Muslim children's well-being (Elkassem, 2018). Healthcare providers must prioritize creating a safe
environment for children to discuss their experiences without fear of judgment. Elkassem et al. assert,
"Healthcare professionals should adopt trauma-informed practices to ensure children feel safe to share
their experiences and emotions" (Elkassem, 2018). Healthcare providers should validate and acknowledge
the impact of Islamophobia on children's lives. Elkassem et al. state, "Listening attentively and validating
children's emotions can help restore their sense of safety and trust" (Elkassem, 2018). Understanding the
cultural and religious backgrounds of Muslim children is crucial for providing effective support. The
authors argue, "Healthcare professionals should be sensitive to the cultural and religious needs of Muslim
children and offer appropriate support" (Elkassem, 2018). Khan's research emphasizes the relevance of
trauma-informed care for Muslim post-secondary students. Healthcare professionals need to recognize the
impact of Islamophobia on mental health and acknowledge the unique coping strategies used by these
students. Adopting a trauma-informed approach can create a safe and supportive environment for Muslim
students to discuss their experiences and emotions without fear of judgment (Khan, 2021).

In conclusion, Islamophobia profoundly affects Muslim communities and children in Canada,

generating fear, hypervigilance, and identity disturbances. The cumulative impact of these experiences
can hinder help-seeking behaviour and trust in healthcare systems. By adopting trauma-informed care,
healthcare providers can create safe spaces for Muslim individuals and children to share their experiences,
validate their emotions, and provide culturally sensitive support. Addressing the consequences of
Islamophobia is essential to protect the well-being and mental health of Muslim communities and foster a
society that values inclusivity and compassion.
 Citations

Elkassem, S., Csiernik, R., Mantulak, A., Kayssi, G., Hussain, Y., Lambert, K., … Choudhary, A. (2018).

Growing Up Muslim: The Impact of Islamophobia on Children in a Canadian Community.

Journal of Muslim Mental Health, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.3998/jmmh.10381607.0012.101

Furqan, Z., Malick, A., Zaheer, J., & Sukhera, J. (2022). Understanding and addressing Islamophobia

through trauma-informed care. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 194(21), E746–E747.

https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.211298

Hassouneh, D. M., & Kulwicki, A. (2007). Mental health, discrimination, and trauma in Arab Muslim

women living in the US: A pilot study. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 10(3), 257–262.

https://doi.org/10.1080/13694670600630556

Khan, Z. (2021). The Impact of Islamophobia on the Mental Health of Muslim Post-Secondary Students.

Retrieved from

https://yorkspace.library.yorku.ca/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10315/39490/Khan%2C%20Zainab%2

0HLTH%20MRP%20Final%20The%20Impact%20of%20Islamophobia%20on%20the%20Menta

l%20Health%20of%20Muslim%20Post-Secondary%20Students.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

Samari, G. (2016). Islamophobia and Public Health in the United States. American Journal of Public

Health, 106(11), 1920–1925. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2016.303374

Samari, G., Alcalá, H. E., & Sharif, M. Z. (2018). Islamophobia, Health, and Public Health: A Systematic

Literature Review. American Journal of Public Health, 108(6), e1–e9.

https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2018.304402