This article looks at the mental health problems encountered in adolescent's from immigrant Arab families. An argument is given against hasty generalizations, and for proper regard to be given to the sociocultural background of the family, the importance of the family in Arabic culture, and to understanding Arab attitudes toward female sexuality. Adolescence is conceptualized as a stage in the family life cycle most likely to reveal the tensions involved in the transition from one culture to another, with new patterns of conflict and structural changes emerging as a result. Clinical issues relating to help seeking behavior, engaging families, the impact of migration, professional boundaries, individual work, and eating disorders are also discussed.

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ethnic group human feeding disorder Review sexuality Behavior cultural factor self concept conflict mental health immigration Saudi Arabia Adolescent