Contributions Despite Challenges: Exploring Positive Youth Development Among Muslim American Youth

This chapter presents findings from two complementary studies that focus on positive youth development among Muslim American youth. Study 1, using survey methods, revealed that identifying with one's own religious group, along with religiosity, serves as a critical factor in the formation of positive values and positive identities for Muslim American youth. Study 2, using qualitative methods, provided a detailed account of the nature of civic engagement and volunteer behavior, as well as the motivation for participating in these behaviors. Combined, these studies highlight key factors and processes related to the positive development of Muslim American youth, a group of young people whose social identity has been under scrutiny because of historical events outside of their control.