Psychosocial adaptation of siblings of children with chronic medical illnesses.

Abstract

The behavioral and emotional adjustment of 27 siblings of ill children was compared with that of 27 siblings from "healthy" families. Findings indicated that siblings of ill children had significantly more behavior problems than did controls. Levels of self-concept, however, did not differ. The importance of systemic research on the topic is highlighted.

Resilience in siblings of children with sickle cell disease

“…Consistent with studies done by Tritt and Esses (1988), siblings who had adequate knowledge about sickle cell disease coped better than those who lacked knowledge, and the extent of knowledge and understanding was not significantly related to age. The siblings who had adequate knowledge seemed to be less anxious and worried, and their ages were varied.…”

“…When asked what they had gained from the experience of having a brother or sister with sickle cell disease, most siblings replied that they had become more patient, compassionate, understanding, helpful, responsible, and sensitive. These benefits are similar to those observed in other siblings by Seligman (1988) and Tritt and Esses (1988). The investigator was even more impressed, however, by those siblings who also reported that they had become more aware of, and knowledgeable about sickle cell disease.…”

“…Some also reported involvement in the growth and development of their retarded sibling and exhibited a sense of pride that they had been a part of it. Tritt and Esses (1988) found that some siblings felt that they had developed more patience, understanding, sensitivity, and awareness about how to deal with someone who is sick.…”

“…The feelings and emotions experienced by parents and siblings of individuals with chronic illnesses have been extensively researched (Battle, 1976;Costello, 1988;Darling and Daring, 1982;Featherstone, 1980;Fields, 1982;Gath, 1989;Grossman, 1972;Jablow, 1982;Patterson, 1991;Seligman, 1988;Sensky, 1982;Sourkes, 1987;Tritt and Esses, 1988;Vine, 1982;Wahl and Harman, 1989;Wilson, 1983). However, most of these studies focused almost exclusively on the negative aspects of coping.…”

Social support for siblings of children with cancer*1

“…The focus of the health care professionals, family and friends is on the ill child and parents. In a study by Tritt & Esses (1988) it was the healthy siblings who were identified as the most unhappy members in one-third of families interviewed who had a chronically ill child. Over onehalf of the siblings interviewed believed that the ill child received special treatment.…”