Mental Health of Iranian Immigrants and Their Descendants: A Review

Public Significance Statement The mental health treatment needs of Iranian immigrants remain poorly understood. An updated review of the literature identified immigration-related factors, such as acculturation stress, resilience-based factors, and within-group differences (e.g., religious identification) that may impact adjustment and stress. Other factors not specific to immigration (e.g., social and economic support) may also influence the mental health of Iranian immigrants and their descendants. More work is needed to develop culturally sensitive interventions. Despite being recognized as a growing ethnic group in many Western countries, Iranian immigrants have been understudied and their mental health treatment needs remain poorly understood. The purpose of the present study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature focused on factors influencing the mental health of Iranian immigrants and their descendants and culturally sensitive treatment (CST) approaches. To build upon prior work, our review focused on research published since 2010, addressed research on mental health intervention approaches, and reviewed research on any factor (not limited to immigration) that may influence mental health. A systematic search of three databases (PsycINFO, EbscoHost, and PubMed) yielded 17 articles for review. Studies focused on (a) factors influencing stress, adjustment, and/or depression (n = 14) and (b) treatment for Iranian immigrants and refugees (n = 4). Key factors associated with mental health included both immigration-specific factors, such as acculturation stress, resilience-based factors (e.g., cultural flexibility), and within-group differences (e.g., religious identification) that may impact adjustment and stress. Studies also identified factors not specific to immigration, such as social support, economic resources, and physical health. Initial treatment-focused studies highlighted the utility of CST approaches. A combination of immigration-related factors and general factors commonly identified as important to the mental health of populations globally (social/economic support and physical health) may influence the mental health of Iranian immigrants and their descendants. As Iranian populations grow internationally, more work is needed to develop CSTs.