A Systematic Review: Mental Health Impact of Stigma and Discrimination against South Asian Religious Minorities

Abstract

We conducted an in-depth, systematic review using content analysis to investigate the mental health impact of religious-based stigma and discrimination among members of South Asian religious minority groups residing in predominantly white, Christian countries: the United States, Canada, member states of the United Kingdom and Australia. We defined South Asians as any member of the diaspora originating from the following countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The aim of this review is to identify and describe the mental health outcomes, including risks for and protective factors against poor mental health outcomes associated with stigma and discrimination faced by South Asian religious minorities