Sibling Adaptation To Childhood Cancer Collaborative Study: Siblings' Perceptions Of The Cancer Experience

Abstract

Investigated responses of siblings (N = 254) of children with cancer to structured interviews designed to elicit thoughts and feelings about effects of cancer on self and family. Siblings indicated distress about family separations and disruptions, lack of attention, focus of family on the ill child, negative feelings in themselves and family members, cancer treatments and their effects, and fear of death. Siblings also reported becoming more compassionate, families becoming closer, and having experiences they otherwise would not have had. Age and gender differences in responses indicated distinctive perceptions of and vulnerability to the cancer experience. Older siblings were far more likely to report positive effects than younger siblings suggesting that level of maturity can moderate the stress of an ill child within the family.

Psychosocial impact of pediatric BMT on siblings

“…Whereas Sargent et al 38 reported that families and professionals may be becoming more skilled at informing siblings about cancer and its treatment, the siblings in our study reported lack of information about BMT. Siblings require age-related information and preparation.…”

Life balance in adult healthy siblings of individuals with childhood cancer.

“…Researchers who investigated the outcomes of individuals who had siblings that were diagnosed with cancer in childhood have primarily focused on short-term psychological outcomes in children and adolescents (e.g. Chesler, Allswede, & Barbarin, 1991;Gogan, Koocher, Foster, & O'Malley, 1977;Gogan & Slavin, 1981;Nolbris, Enskär, & Hellström, 2007;Sargent et al, 1995;Woodgate, 2006). Very little attention was on the long-term effects of childhood cancer on siblings or adults whose siblings had cancer during childhood.…”

“…Furthermore, healthy siblings are at risk for psychological issues due to the stress and challenges associated with having a sibling with cancer (Chesler et al, 1991;Gogan & Slavin, 1981;Sargent et al, 1995). There is a need for new interventions for adult healthy siblings and for more in-depth information about the long-term effects of having a sibling with cancer.…”

“…Siblings reported a loss of family routines, including mealtime rituals, and changes in family events, including holidays (Chesler et al, 1991;Nolbris et al, 2007;Prchal & Landolt, 2011;Sargent et al, 1995;Woodgate, 2006). Family vacations had to be canceled to accommodate treatment schedules and financial restraints (Martinson & Campos, 1991).…”

“…The worrying can be pervasive, even in situations where the healthy sibling would normally feel happy (Nolbris et al, 2007). Healthy siblings have to watch the child with cancer suffer through the cancer treatments and symptoms (e.g., hair loss, weight loss, and vomiting), which can, in turn, lead to negative emotions (Nolbris et al, 2007;Prchal & Landolt, 2011;Sargent et al, 1995). Healthy siblings worried about the implications of their siblings' diagnosis and hochw their siblings would respond to the cancer treatment (Alderfer, Labay, & Kazak, 2003;Chesler et al, 1991;Prchal & Landolt, 2011).…”