Food Allergies and Identity Construction in Young Adults

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Title: Food Allergies and Identity Construction in Young Adults
Author: Darynn S. Lung
Faculty Sponsor: Aislinn Addington and Peter Callero; Gavin Keulks
Date: 4/1/2020
Abstract: The role of food allergies in the process of identity construction is understudied in adult populations. Past research has explored the mental/emotional, social, and physical impacts of food allergies in children; however, less is known about adult experiences. Regardless of age, individuals with severe allergies must modify their behaviors to prevent reactions and comfortably navigate life. As evidence suggests a connection between childhood food allergy and self-perception, it is unknown if these attitudes and behaviors contribute to their construction of adult identities. There is much to discover regarding the manifestation and development of allergic practices in adults, as well as the social influences responsible for them. This study aims to examine how self-reported perceptions of allergy-specific experiences relate to identity construction in food-allergic young adults.
Type: Text; Honors Thesis
Department: Honors Program
Keywords: food allergy; adult food allergy; identity; self-perception; inequality
Language: eng
Rights: Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 06/01/2023, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author.; http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Identifier: honors_theses/206