Siblings Dealing with Pediatric Cancer: A Family- and Context-oriented Approach

Abstract

Background: Pediatric cancer is a severe life-threatening disease that poses significant challenges to the life of the siblings. Based on the social ecology model, the current study is aimed at exploring the association between intrafamilial (family functioning, family support) and contextual (network support) resources, and the individual adjustment of siblings facing cancer in their brother/sister. Methods: Participants were 81 siblings of children with leukemia or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The mean siblings’ age was 10.32 years. Siblings completed the Family Environment Scale, the Social Support Questionnaire for Children, the Situation-Specific Emotional Reactions Questionnaire, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Data were analyzed using a multi-level approach. Results: Family functioning, family support, and network support proved to be related to siblings’ cancer-related emotional reactions post-diagnosis. In addition, the present study suggests taking into account the gender of the ill child and the age of the siblings. Discussion: Our findings led to the conclusion that resources at both the intrafamilial level and the contextual level are important for explaining sibling adjustment post-diagnosis. Interventions targeting the sibling, the family, and the external network are warranted to enhance sibling adjustment.

Captains on call: A qualitative investigation of an intervention to support children with retinoblastoma undergoing regular eye examinations

“…32,33 Van Schoors et al found that siblings supported by the network external to the family unit, as occurred with the Captains, reported lower levels of loneliness and better emotional involvement in the illness process. 34 A key contribution to the success of the programme lies in its interprofessional collaborative approach; this expands 'Captains on Call' beyond many existing similar programs of distraction and procedural support in paediatric hospitals which may be less integrated into care. Key elements of the programme, including education for the Captains, regular communication between the healthcare teams and a reflective practice cycle, coincides with the World Health Organisation's (WHO) framework for action on collaborative practice.…”

“…Van Schoors et al. found that siblings supported by the network external to the family unit, as occurred with the Captains, reported lower levels of loneliness and better emotional involvement in the illness process 34 …”

Lived experiences with unmet supportive care needs in pediatric cancer: Perspective of Chinese children and their parents

“…Though mortality in pediatric oncology has significantly declined, the profound impact of cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment cannot be overlooked. Reported challenges across the pediatric cancer continuum include but are not limited to treatment-related symptoms and side effects [ 3 ], psychological morbidity [ 4 ], challenged transition to adult medical care [ 5 ], impaired family function [ 6 ], social isolation [ 7 ], etc. However, these children’s and their families’ varied needs are not always fully recognized and addressed in clinical practice throughout their cancer journey.…”

Risco Psicossocial E Distress Em Cuidadores De Crianças Com Câncer

“…Há evidências de que o diagnóstico e tratamento do câncer influencia o ajustamento psicológico dos filhos saudáveis (Van Schoors et al, 2021) e que irmãos de crianças com câncer pode apresentar mais problemas emocionais e comportamentais em consideração à mudança de rotina, convivência com a doença do irmão e questões envolvendo o luto (Paul et al, 2023).…”