When Allergies Take a Backseat: Interpreting the Experiences of Mothers of Teenaged Children with Life-threatening Food Allergies

Authors

  • Dr. Karen Ann Dobbin-Williams Memorial University of Newfoundland School of Nursing

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55016/ojs/jah.v2024Y2024.79827

Abstract

In this paper, I report on my doctoral study exploring the experiences of mothers of teenagers with life-threatening food allergies. Using the metaphor of a car in motion as mothers navigate this time with their children, I offer some deepened understanding of this topic: going forwards while looking backwards; allergies taking a backseat; and the teenager taking the wheel. Expectations of mothers and the roles that mothers take on are explored in this interpretive inquiry guided by Gadamerian philosophical hermeneutics.

Author Biography

Dr. Karen Ann Dobbin-Williams, Memorial University of Newfoundland School of Nursing

Karen Dobbin-Williams, RN, PhD is an Assistant Professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Nursing. Her areas of research interest are the experiences of individuals with chronic medical conditions such as life-threatening food allergies and diabetes, mothering experiences and maternal theory, and gamification in undergraduate nursing education. She is a lifelong student of hermeneutics.

 

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Published

2024-08-14

Issue

Vol. 2024 (2024): 2024

Section

Articles

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