The large quantity of research on the subjects of risk-taking and quality of life for teens with food allergies speaks directly to the importance of these issues. It is the goal of this program to create empowerment and peer support for allergic students resulting in better management of their own allergies.
"Food allergic adolescents are motivated by the psychological impact of their condition, which often makes them feel different to their peers and may result in bullying. Methods of appropriately empowering adolescents may be considered, such as involvement of close friends and lay organisations to support appropriate management." (1) |
Allergic Teens Feel Isolated
It's not easy to have something that makes you different that you can't control. Sometimes people with food allergies shy away from activities because they feel like their allergies might be a burden to others.
"Avoidance of food allergens may limit participation in social and school activities, and youth may feel different from peers because of dietary restrictions and safety precautions." (2)
"Indeed, teens report social isolation to be the hardest part of living with a food allergy" (3)
Peer Support is Crucial
Having friends on board greatly helps those with food allergies by gaining the confidence to do the right thing when faced with risky situations. A true friend is someone who accepts you for who you are and would never want you to come into harm.
"...education of [allergic] teenagers and, importantly, those around them during social activities might reduce risk taking and its consequences." (2)
There's Room for Improvement
Everyone probably knows something about allergies, but it's important to know as much as possible. The more people know about the condition of anaphylaxis, the more they know to help prevent allergic reactions and how to respond in an emergency.
Results (below) from a survey of parents of food allergic children. (4)
References
(1) Why do few food-allergic adolescents treat anaphylaxis with adrenaline? - reviewing a pressing issue. T. Marrs, G. Lack. 2012.
(2) Risk-taking and coping strategies of adolescents and young adults with food allergy. Margaret A. Sampson, Anne Munoz-Furlong, Scott H. Sicherer. 2006 (3) Assessment of psychological distress among children and adolescents with food allergy. Jennifer S. LeBovidge, Heather Strauch, Leslie A. Kalish. 2009
(4) Parents of Children With Food Allergies Survey. The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, Galaxy Foods. 2011.
(1) Why do few food-allergic adolescents treat anaphylaxis with adrenaline? - reviewing a pressing issue. T. Marrs, G. Lack. 2012.
(2) Risk-taking and coping strategies of adolescents and young adults with food allergy. Margaret A. Sampson, Anne Munoz-Furlong, Scott H. Sicherer. 2006 (3) Assessment of psychological distress among children and adolescents with food allergy. Jennifer S. LeBovidge, Heather Strauch, Leslie A. Kalish. 2009
(4) Parents of Children With Food Allergies Survey. The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, Galaxy Foods. 2011.