Teen Talk Published in Pediatric Psychology
February 28, 2023 (McLean, VA) – FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), the nation’s leading non-profit organization engaged in food allergy advocacy, and the largest private funder of food allergy research, is proud to announce that Melissa Engel, FARE’s Lead Programming Developer of Teen Outreach, had her second manuscript on “Teen Talks” published in Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology.
The manuscript, “Development of an Online Peer Support Program for Adolescents With Food Allergies,” describes the development, feasibility, and acceptability of an online video-based peer support program for adolescents with food allergies. “Teen Talks,” developed in partnership with FARE, allow youth with food allergies to connect on this platform.
Having “Teen Talks” online helps reduce barriers for teens to communicate freely with other teens who face the same issues. Inclusivity is important and necessary so all voices are heard and acknowledged. Results indicate that participants have developed friendships, feel less alone, and look forward to “Teen Talks” each month. Consistent high attendance and favorable evaluations suggest that Teen Talks are feasible and well-accepted.
Melissa Engel is a Clinical Psychology PhD candidate at Emory University. She received her MA in Developmental Psychology from the University of Minnesota, as well as her MA in Clinical Psychology at Emory. Her research and clinical interests focus on risk and resilience in youth with chronic medical conditions that require daily self-management. Melissa has severe food allergies and is especially interested in identifying and addressing the unique psychosocial challenges faced by adolescents with allergic diseases. She enjoys leading youth programming at the annual FARE Summit and through the Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research at Northwestern University. Melissa holds leadership positions within the Society of Pediatric Psychology, has published in several academic journals, and has presented her research at conferences across the country.
Please join us in supporting Melissa’s most recent publication, found here.
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About FARE
FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) is the nation’s leading non-profit engaged in food allergy advocacy and the largest food allergy charity supporting research. FARE’s innovative education, advocacy and research initiatives transform the future of food allergy through new and improved treatments and prevention strategies, effective policies and legislation, and novel approaches to managing the disease. To learn more, visit: foodallergy.org.