Graduation Term

Summer 2025

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Department of Psychology

Committee Chair

Jordan Arellanes

Committee Member

Caitlin Mercier

Abstract

African immigrants in the United States encounter complex acculturation challenges that are often shaped by systemic barriers such as language exclusion, financial insecurity, limited employment access, and time-restricted support services. This qualitative study explores how African immigrants experience the acculturation process and how community-based programs support or fall short in supporting their acculturation. Semi-structured individual interviews with Somali immigrants and community practitioners in the Midwest. While most African immigrant narratives reflect the experiences of Somali immigrants, practitioners provide insight into the broader African immigrant population based on their work with diverse African immigrant clients. Findings revealed three central themes: (1) American Dream vs. American Reality, (2) Community as a Pillar for Immigrant Adaptation and Growth, and (3) Community-Based Programs Help but Leave Critical Service Gaps. Although participants expressed a desire to integrate, structural barriers often limited their ability to do so. Results highlight the need for culturally grounded, linguistically, and relationship-based interventions. This contributes to acculturation research by emphasizing the communal and systemic nature of acculturation and calls for sustained, equity-focused investments in programs serving African immigrants.

Access Type

Thesis-Open Access

DOI

https://doi.org/10.30707/ETD.1763755358.946458

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