Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of food allergy (FA)
on the daily lives of young adults who recently transitioned to attending college
away from home. Design and Methods: We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews using
a grounded theory approach to data collection, data analysis, and theory development.
For recruitment, we posted a flier on a FA Facebook group and reposted approximately
monthly for one year. We completed and recorded 16 interviews that ranged in duration
from 30 to 90 min. The interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed with the intention
of developing mid-range theory. Results: Several interrelated themes were identified
during the analytical process, including hypervigilance, misunderstood risk, and stigma
management. Notably, a series of cascading effects eventually lead to what we call
“disclosure fatigue,” where students with FA tire of talking about their invisible
disability with people who misunderstand it, and they eventually develop strategies
to avoid conversations. The consequences include a narrowing of social networks and
activities and even risky food behaviors. Conclusions: Research is needed in other
settings, for other conditions, to consider and ameliorate the negative health consequences
associated with disclosure fatigue. Practice Implications: In addition to focusing
on physical aspects of FA, including avoiding exposure, healthcare practitioners in
pediatric settings should emphasize social aspects of FA that gain influence during
the transition out of high school and away from home. Disclosure fatigue provides
one explanation for why individuals with FA may choose to ignore best practices and
engage in risky food behaviors.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 06, 2022
Accepted:
November 23,
2022
Received in revised form:
November 23,
2022
Received:
June 6,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
