Food Allergy Victimization: An Exploration of Psychosocial Adjustment and the Role of Resiliency
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Authors
Berendsen, Dre
Issue Date
2015
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
"Bullying","Food Allergy","Psychosocial Adjustment”,“Quantitative Research","Resiliency","Peer Victimization"
Alternative Title
Abstract
Individuals with food allergies (FA) have recently been identified as a group of individuals susceptible to victimization by bullying, specifically by utilizing allergens as tools for bullying. Additionally, research has shown an impact on psychosocial adjustment in individuals who are bullied. This research sought to evaluate the role of resilience as a mitigating factor on the overall impact of bullying, with a specific focus on individuals with food allergies. Clinically, it is important to identify groups at a greater risk for victimization in order to intervene to mitigate the psychosocial impacts of this victimization. Resilience was identified as a potential moderating factor, and this study attempted to measure the role of resilience in individuals with food allergies, who had also been victimized, and the overall impact on psychosocial functioning. This quantitative project utilized seven self-report measures for peer victimization, depression, loneliness, anxiety, life- satisfaction, self-esteem, and resilience. Resilience as a mollifying variable was positively correlated with self-esteem and life satisfaction and negatively correlated with anxiety, depression, and loneliness, which has potential implications for future research, interventions, and curriculum related to bullying toward targeted groups such as those with food allergies. Given that the sample size was limited (n= 37), few conclusions were determined, yet the results do indicate a potential need for further research with a larger participant pool, as the potential for clinical implications and interventions are of increasing importance due to the limited research, the lethality capability, and the growth ofthe FA population.