MHPE PhD Dissertation Defense - Susan M. Stillman (Food Allergy & Sense of Belonging in Higher Ed)

The faculty of the Medical and Health Professions Education Program at Virginia Health Sciences proudly announces the dissertation defense of Susan M. Stillman.

Guided by Strayhorn's theory of sense of belonging, Mrs. Stillman's dissertation, Food Allergy and Sense of Belonging in Higher Education, examined whether differences exist in reported sense of belonging among undergraduate students with and without food allergies. Using secondary data from the American College Health Association's National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA), the study explored associations between food allergy status and sense of belonging while accounting for age, biological sex, and year in school. Findings contribute to the limited body of research on food allergies in higher education and provide insight into reported sense of belonging among undergraduate students with food allergies.

The dissertation defense is an open event.

Date: November 4, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM EST
Location: Zoom Link:  https://odu.zoom.us/j/96204240684

Full Abstract:
Food Allergy and Sense of Belonging in Higher Education
Susan M. Stillman
Chair: Dr. Brielle E. Ashley

Food allergies have increased substantially over the past several decades, resulting in a growing number of college students managing food allergies while navigating academic and social environments. Because social activities frequently involve food, students with food allergies may experience challenges related to participation, social engagement, and quality of life. Research has linked food allergies to increased anxiety and depressive symptoms, factors that may influence sense of belonging. Prior research suggests that avoidance behaviors associated with food allergy management may affect social experiences associated with belonging. As the number of college students managing food allergies increases, understanding their experiences and perceptions of belonging becomes increasingly relevant. Despite these potential connections, little research has examined the relationship between food allergies and sense of belonging in higher education. The purpose of this study was to explore possible differences in sense of belonging among undergraduate students residing in campus housing and attending in-person classes at U.S. colleges and universities who reported having or not having a diagnosed food allergy. Secondary data from the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 surveys were analyzed. Sense of belonging was measured using a composite score derived from three survey items. Univariate general linear models were used to evaluate differences in sense of belonging based on food allergy status while accounting for age, biological sex, and year in school. Results indicated that statistical significance varied across models. Although some analyses identified significant differences in sense of belonging between students with and without food allergies, effect sizes were negligible. Findings were sensitive to model specification, with significance changing when age and interaction terms were included. These findings support continued examination of the academic and socially related experiences of college students with food allergies. Future research should employ measures specifically designed to capture food allergy-related experiences and their potential impact on belonging in higher education settings.

Keywords: Food allergies, sense of belonging, anaphylaxis, higher education, attrition, retention, intent to stay, undergraduate students, ACHA-NCHA