Bullying Victimization among Children with Food Allergies and Parental Mental Health

Abstract

Children with food allergies are bullied at higher rates than the general population. Little research, however, has considered how parents of children with food allergies may be affected by the bullying victimization of their children. This research examines if having a child with food allergies who is bullied relates to parental levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Data were collected by administering surveys in several online support groups for parents of children with food allergies ( N = 623). Results showed that having a food-allergic child bullied is related to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among parents. Policy implications for health care and school professionals are discussed, with an emphasis on broadening treatment services to include the families of victims of bullying.