The Influence of Cultural Identity on Mental Health in Ethnic Minority Youth
Keywords:
cultural identity, ethnic minority youth, mental health, qualitative research, Turkey, resilience, stigma, discriminationAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to explore the ways in which cultural identity influences the mental health of ethnic minority youth in Turkey.
Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design was employed, using semi-structured interviews with 31 ethnic minority youth aged 15 to 24, from various backgrounds including Kurdish, Arab, Laz, Zaza, and Circassian communities. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using NVivo software. The study adhered to ethical research standards and ensured confidentiality, informed consent, and participant anonymity.
Findings: Five overarching themes were identified: Cultural Belonging and Identity, Discrimination and Social Exclusion, Family Dynamics and Intergenerational Tensions, Mental Health and Emotional Well-being, and Resilience and Identity Empowerment. Participants reported experiences of identity conflict, cultural stigma, and institutional exclusion that negatively impacted their mental health. At the same time, they demonstrated resilience through community engagement, family support, and cultural pride. The results revealed how cultural identity acts both as a source of psychological vulnerability and a foundation for empowerment among ethnic minority youth.
Conclusion: Cultural identity plays a dual role in shaping the mental health of ethnic minority youth, functioning both as a risk factor and a protective resource. Effective mental health interventions must consider the lived experiences, cultural narratives, and structural realities of minority youth to promote well-being and inclusion.
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