Factors Related to Healthy Siblings’ Psychosocial Adjustment to Children With Cancer

Examining emotional and behavioural trajectories in siblings of children with life-limiting conditions

BACKGROUND

Healthy siblings of children with life-limiting conditions often experience emotional and behavioural struggles over the course of the ill child's condition(s). Resources to support these siblings are limited due to a lack of understanding about their needs. Therefore, this study was designed to characterize the emotional and behavioural trajectories among siblings of children with progressive, life-limiting genetic, metabolic, or neurological conditions over a 12-month observation period.

METHODS

Seventy siblings were recruited from a large-survey based study (Charting the Territory) that examined the bio-psychosocial health outcomes of parents and siblings. Linear mixed effect models were used to assess the association between siblings' emotions and behaviour trajectories and selected demographic variables. Siblings' emotions and behaviour were measured with Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL).

RESULTS

Siblings' mean age was 11.2 years at baseline and Internalizing, Externalizing, and Total Behaviour Problems mean scores were within normal ranges across time. However, 7-25% of siblings had scores within the clinical range. Brothers had higher levels of Internalizing Problems than sisters, whereas sisters had higher levels of Externalizing Problems than brothers. When treatment was first sought for the ill child less than a year prior to study participation, siblings had higher levels of Internalizing and Externalizing Problems compared with siblings who participated more than one year after treatment was sought.

CONCLUSION

Healthy siblings experience emotional and behavioural problems early in the child's disease trajectory. Although these problems improve with time, our findings show that brothers and sisters experience different types of challenges. Therefore, timely support for siblings is important as they navigate through the uncertainties and challenges.

Experiences of siblings of children with chronic diseases revealed by the dramatic therapeutic play

OBJECTIVE

To understand, through dramatic therapeutic play, the experiences of siblings of children with chronic diseases.

METHOD

Phenomenological study, in the light of Heideggerian philosophical framework, conducted with 12 siblings of children with chronic diseases, aged between three and 11 years, accompanied in a public teaching hospital in the countryside of the state of São Paulo. The phenomenological interviews were audio-recorded and mediated by sessions of dramatic therapeutic play; later, interpreted from the Heideggerianphilosophical framework and thematic literature.

RESULTS

The siblings demonstrated that they are affectively touched in the mode of sadness, longing and affection towards the sick child and, by the daily occupations imposed by the disease.

CONCLUSION

The dramatic therapeutic play enabled the siblings of children with chronic diseases to expose their experiences permeated by the limitations of the child's chronic disease. Instituting actions for the inclusion of the sibling during the nursing care of the child with chronic disease is urgent to improve its quality.

The Lived Experience of Siblings of Children With Cancer Who Attended a Peer Support Camp in the United States

Childhood cancer has a profound and negative impact on siblings, yet there are limited studies exploring lived experiences from their perspective. This qualitative study examined the perceptions and experiences of siblings of children with cancer who attended a peer support camp. Semi-structured interviews were conducted three to six weeks after the weeklong peer support camp with a stratified random sample of 10 siblings (six non-bereaved and four bereaved) ages 8 to 16 years. The qualitative data were analyzed using conventional content analysis and an inductive data-driven approach. Four themes emerged: social connection (subthemes: support/feeling of belonging, mentorship, and expressing feelings), personal growth, identity, and freedom to have fun and relax. These findings add to the scant body of research by providing enhanced understanding of the siblings' experiences and new insights into their perceptions of meaning and outcomes associated with participation in a peer support camp. These findings have implications for peer support camp programs and the well-being of siblings of children with cancer.

The Influence of a Peer Support Camp on Mitigating Emotional Distress in Siblings of Children With Cancer

Background: Siblings of children with cancer often experience anxiety and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), which negatively impact their self-esteem due to emotionally upsetting circumstances. The purpose of this longitudinal quantitative study was to investigate changes in anxiety, PTSS, and self-esteem of youth who participated in a peer support camp for siblings of children with cancer. Methods: A longitudinal study examined changes over time. Data were collected from 32 sibling surveys pre-, post-, and three months after camp. Siblings completed assessments to measure anxiety, PTSS, and self-esteem. A repeated measures ANOVA or Friedman Test was conducted to identify changes across the three data points for each outcome measured. Post hoc comparisons using paired sample t-tests or Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests were conducted. Results: Significant improvements in anxiety; T1 and T2 (p < .000); T1 and T3 (p < .000). Significant decrease in PTSS; T1 and T2 (p = .001); T1 and T3 (p = .011). Significant improvement in self-esteem scores for older participants (ages 10-16); T1 and T2 (p < .000). Significant improvement in self-esteem for younger participants (ages 7-9); T1 and T3 (p = .005). Discussion: The data generated in this study expand knowledge about the influence of peer support camps on reducing the emotional distress of siblings of children with cancer. The findings warrant further research on the long-term impact of such camps, the value of repeated participation, differences between bereaved and nonbereaved siblings, the phase of the cancer experience, and elements of the camp that have the most impact.

Camps for Children with Cancer and Their Families: A Systematic Review of Psychosocial and Physical Impacts

OBJECTIVE

Camps for children with cancer and their families aim to promote positive psychosocial and physical outcomes for attendees. However, evidence for this is inconsistent, and previous reviews have not delineated between camps for children (patient/survivors and siblings) and family camps (including parents/guardians). Such understanding is necessary to understand the evidence-based benefits of each type of camp. Our systematic review summarizes the findings and limitations of the recent literature for children's camps and family camps.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycINFO, Social Work Abstracts, and Google Scholar for relevant articles published between 2013 and 2018.

RESULTS

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol, we included 19 articles (from 15 studies) in the review. Evidence for the impact of camps was mixed. All articles reported positive outcomes, yet 3 quantitative articles also reported nonsignificant changes. Camps for children (representing 2151 children with cancer/survivors) appeared to facilitate social skills, self-esteem, and physical activity. Family camps (representing 96 families) may provide families the opportunity to reconnect. Both types of camp provide attendees with social support and fun/respite. In 2 qualitative articles, some parents attending family camps reported tension between families of children on treatment and bereaved families. The literature is limited by small sample sizes and the lack of multisite, longitudinal, and controlled study designs.

CONCLUSION

The recent literature provides evidence for some positive, short-term psychosocial and physical outcomes of camps. Future research should use rigorous quasiexperimental designs and should assess the long-term impact of camp attendance.

Development of a Stress Scale for Siblings of Childhood Cancer Patients

Most siblings of childhood cancer patients (SCCP) report not only post-traumatic stress but also daily stresses due to changes in their daily lives. The purpose of this study was to develop a stress scale for SCCP and to examine the validity and reliability of the scale. Based on conceptual analysis, 40 preliminary items were selected. After its content validity was determined by six experts, 37 items were chosen. For the psychometric testing, 125 SCCPs, aged 11–16, were surveyed. Through item analysis and exploratory factor analysis for construct validity, 27 items explained 61.2% of the variance, and they were categorized into six factors. Criterion validity was confirmed by examining the overall correlation with standard instruments according to the age group. Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha (0.91) and test-retest correlation (r = 0.597). This self-administered questionnaire with a 4-point Likert-type scale may be useful in clarifying and measuring stress levels in SCCPs.

Martial Arts-Based Therapy Reduces Pain and Distress Among Children with Chronic Health Conditions and Their Siblings

Objective

Test whether a martial arts-based therapy, Kids Kicking Cancer (KKC), can reduce pain and emotional distress in children with cancer, other chronic health conditions (e.g., sickle cell), and healthy siblings.

Methods

This study surveyed children’s pain and distress levels immediately before and after a 1-hr in-person KKC class. Eligible participants were enrolled in standard KKC classes, were diagnosed with a chronic health condition (e.g., cancer, sickle cell) or were the sibling of a child diagnosed and were between the ages of 5–17 years (inclusive). Children reported on their pain and distress using Likert-style scales (Coloured Analog Scale and modified FACES scale, respectively). Friedman test was used to test for overall changes in pain and distress, and within subgroups. Age and sex effects were evaluated using Spearman’s rank-order correlation. Additional Yes/No questions were administered regarding KKC satisfaction and use of techniques.

Results

Fifty-nine youth (19 cancer patients, 17 non-cancer patients, 23 siblings; 5–17 yrs, 26 females) completed this study. Overall, there was a significant reduction in pain (p = 0.033) and emotional distress (p < 0.001) after a 1-hr class, with 50% and 89% of youth reporting a reduction in pain and distress, respectively. On average, pain levels remained within the mild/moderate range on average (i.e., pre vs. post levels; pre: M = 1.67, post: M = 1.33) and emotional distress went from mild/moderate to none/mild distress, on average (pre: M = 1.92, post: M = 1.08). Youth with higher pre-class pain and distress reported greater reductions (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The reduction in pain appeared to be most pronounced with cancer and non-cancer patients. In contrast, the reduction in distress appeared to be most pronounced among healthy siblings. However, overall, reductions in pain and distress did not significantly differ among subgroups (i.e., cancer patients, non-cancer patients, siblings), and change in pain and distress was not associated with age or sex. Ninety-six percent of youth would recommend KKC to others and 81% reported using KKC techniques (e.g., the Breath Brake^TM or other martial arts techniques) outside of class, such as at home.

Conclusion

Results support the more widespread application of KKC as a psychosocial intervention for reducing pain and distress in various pediatric populations.

Adolescent siblings of children with cancer: a qualitative study from a salutogenic health promotion perspective

PURPOSE

To explore the experiences of adolescents with a sibling suffering from cancer from a salutogenic health promotion perspective.

METHODS

Seven female siblings aged 13-17 years were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed and subjected to qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

The analysis findings adhered largely to one main theme: new challenges and needs in everyday life, consisting of the two domains cancer into life and helpful resources to cope. Categories related to the cancer into life domain were new routines and concerns, fear, loneliness, and growing up. Helpful resources to cope were categorized as support from others, understanding, faith and hope, and normal activities.

CONCLUSION

Prominent in the siblings' descriptions were the challenging changes in everyday life including difficult feelings such as loneliness, and a need for understanding. Social support appeared as a crucial salutogenic coping resource to achieve understanding, faith and hope, and identity-crucial spheres to achieve meaning in life. This study has demonstrated the significance of salutogenesis in a new setting, and the findings could be of relevance to teachers and health professionals consulting with the siblings of children with cancer. Further research should be conducted to pinpoint concrete health-promoting measures that might benefit this group.

I'm Here, Too: Being an Adolescent Sibling of a Pediatric Cancer Patient in Turkey

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine experiences and needs of Turkish adolescent siblings of children with cancer (SCC) and to identify if there is a country/culture-specific risk factor for these siblings.

DESIGN AND METHOD

In this qualitative study hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used. Eighteen eligible siblings were selected purposively from two hospitals in Ankara, Turkey. Interviews were conducted with a semi-structured form. Content and thematic analyses were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

The data revealed three levels of themes. The main theme was based on "I am here, too". From the first moment of diagnosis, siblings need to be visible and noticed by others. They seek ways to make sense of the disease as they experience dramatic changes in all aspects of their lives (high level themes - first encounter with the disease and changes in life). They expect their parents and relatives to support them (expectations) when they turn to various methods to cope with the changes (coping styles).

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of protective psychosocial care is a basic risk factor for adolescent SCC in Turkey. Despite its various limitations, the strongest aspect of this study is that it is the first publication that determines the experiences of Turkish SCC in their own words. In addition to supporting recent findings about siblings' experiences, obtaining some country-specific findings is a strength of the present study.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Providing psychosocial risk assessment of the siblings' immediately after diagnosis is necessary. It can be helpful to inform parents about the risks.

The family practice of support-giving after a pediatric cancer diagnosis: A multi-family member interview analysis

PURPOSE

Pediatric cancer presents many challenges to the life of the child diagnosed with cancer and his/her family. Among the studies investigating risk and protective factors, social support has emerged as an important construct. However, little is known on how family members support each other in this particular context.

METHOD

In order to further explore this process, interviews were performed separately with mothers, fathers and siblings. For the purpose of this study (as this is part of a larger project), data from four families in which both parents and at least one sibling participated, were used. Multi Family Member Interview Analysis was used as the methodological framework to analyze the individual interviews, allowing a detailed and systematic analysis of shared family experiences.

RESULTS

The analysis of the data revealed three themes: Being together matters: the families identified the need of being physically together; Finding support in (not) talking: the complexity of sharing emotions was explained and Working together as a team: the families described working together as a team in order to get everything organized.

CONCLUSIONS

This study broadens our understanding of the interpersonal process of family support-giving when facing pediatric cancer. When meeting with families, families should be invited as a unit in order to best capture family level experiences. Also, clinicians should be sensitive to the different cancer-related communication needs within the family (i.e., the need to talk or not to talk) and incorporate this knowledge into their care.

Well siblings of children with chronic illness: A synthesis research study

Well siblings of chronically ill children experience family disruptions that profoundly affect them. Previous research focusing on well siblings' experiences has often produced inconsistent findings, likely the result of varying study designs and samples. The purposes of this synthesis research study were twofold: (a) to assess the applicability of existing grounded theory of sibling response to a child's cancer to a wider range of childhood conditions; and (b) to refine the existing theory to reflect the experiences of the broader sample. Data for the synthesis came from a National Institute of Nursing Research-funded mixed-methods synthesis examining the intersection of childhood chronic illness and family life. The current analysis was based on well sibling results extracted from 78 research reports published between 2000 and 2014. An existing grounded theory, Creating a Tenuous Balance (CTB), was discovered at the outset of analysis and used as the primary framework for coding and synthesizing results. The focus of most studies was siblings' responses to 14 chronic conditions, with cancer being the most often studied. Results reflected siblings' perspectives of their experiences as well as perspectives of parents and the ill child. The analysis substantiated all four patterns of sibling behavior included in CTB, with the patterns of adapting to changes in personal and family life, and handling strong emotions being especially challenging aspects of the sibling experience. Moreover, the results expanded several aspects of CTB. The analysis provided evidence of the applicability of the theory to a varied group of chronic conditions and enabled us to identify important areas for developing interventions to support siblings.

Family Members Dealing With Childhood Cancer: A Study on the Role of Family Functioning and Cancer Appraisal

OBJECTIVES

Childhood cancer is a life-threatening disease that poses significant challenges to the life of the diagnosed child and his/her family members. Based on the ABCX-model, the aim of the current study was to explore the association between family functioning, cancer appraisal and the individual adjustment of patients, parents and siblings.

METHODS

Participants were 60 children with leukemia or non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 172 parents and 78 siblings (115 families). Time since diagnosis varied from zero to 33 months. Patients, parents and siblings completed the Family Environment Scale (FES), Perceived Stress Scale, Situation-Specific Emotional Reactions Questionnaire and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory/Maudsley Marital Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Family functioning and the appraisal of the cancer diagnosis proved to be related to patients', parents' and siblings' cancer-related emotions and quality of life post-diagnosis. In addition, family members differed in their perception of some family functioning domains, the appraisal of the cancer diagnosis, positive feelings and quality of life.

DISCUSSION

Our findings led to the conclusion that family functioning and the appraisal of the cancer diagnosis are important for the individual adjustment of patients, parents and siblings when facing a diagnosis of cancer in the child. Differences across members within one family and differences between families speak to the need of screening all family members and intervening at the level of individual as well as the family unit.

Siblings of Young People With Cancer in NZ: Experiences That Positively and Negatively Support Well-Being

Siblings of young people with cancer experience significant distress and these effects often exist long after their sibling's treatment has successfully been completed. In New Zealand, many families must travel several hours to receive treatment, with some having to live away from home for extended periods which can create additional strains. We interviewed 10 siblings of pediatric cancer survivors drawn from a larger quantitative study, to investigate what made siblings' experiences more difficult and to find out what was helpful in supporting their adjustment. The selected participants came from across New Zealand, represented a mix of gender and age, and had a range of depression scores. Our thematic analysis found that experiences that were associated with the most distress included concurrent stressors, and feeling left out, rejected, or isolated. Experiences that were most helpful to their well-being were feeling involved, knowing that they were still important and a priority for their parents, connecting with people through their experiences, and focusing on positive experiences. Our findings suggest that professionals working with these families could help siblings of a child with cancer by promoting hope, acknowledging positive growth, drawing attention to positive events to promote benefit finding, and providing opportunities to have fun. Increasing parental awareness of the impact of differential treatment and improving the public understanding of sibling issues might also be helpful.

Siblings’ Experiences of Everyday Life in a Family Where One Child Is Diagnosed With Blood Cancer: A Qualitative Study

Background: Childhood cancer not only presents challenges to the life of the child with cancer but also to the siblings’ daily family life. The aim of the current study was to gain a better understanding of siblings’ experiences of living in a family where one child has been diagnosed with blood cancer. Method: Ten siblings of children with leukemia or non-Hodgkin lymphoma completed a semistructured interview about their everyday family life experiences postdiagnosis. The verbatim transcripts of the interviews served as the data for an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: The results showed that overall the siblings experienced a continuity in many aspects of their family life: they still experienced their family as an important source of support and information/communication, as warm and loving and as a safe harbor where family members aim to protect each other. However, at the same time, the participating siblings also expressed that some things felt unmistakably different postdiagnosis: They felt that their family as a whole had been ripped apart, with a greater focus on the diagnosed child and changing responsibilities for each family member. Conclusion: This study informs parents and clinicians about the daily family life experiences from the siblings’ perspective, a perspective that is often overlooked. A focus on challenges as well as continuities within family life, the wish for connection expressed by the siblings, and the uniqueness of every sibling’s experiences is what can be taken away from this study by psychosocial workers in the field.

Emotional and behavioral adjustment in 4 to 11-year-old boys and girls with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia and unaffected siblings

It has been suggested that atypical hormone environments during early development may contribute to subsequent development of psychopathology. Also, it has been suggested that individuals with the autosomal recessive genetic variant, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), might be at increased risk of psychopathology. The present study examined emotional and behavioral adjustment in young children with CAH and their unaffected siblings in the United Kingdom. The parent-reported version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was employed to assess adjustment in children aged 4 to 11 years. There were 38 boys with CAH, 43 girls with CAH, 23 unaffected brothers, and 31 unaffected sisters. No differences in emotional or behavioral problems were found between boys or girls with CAH and unaffected same-sex siblings. In addition, affected and unaffected boys in the current sample generally did not differ from boys in the general population. However, compared with girls in the general population, girls with CAH had more difficulties related to conduct problems, hyperactivity/ inattention, and prosocial behavior, and unaffected sisters had more difficulties related to peer problems, conduct problems, and prosocial behavior. These findings suggest that both girls with CAH and unaffected sisters of girls or boys with CAH may be at increased risk of developing behavioral problems. Potential influences related to the early hormone environment, familial process, and social stigma are considered.

ASPECTOS CONTEXTUAIS SOBRE O GERENCIAMENTO DO CUIDADO DE ENFERMAGEM À CRIANÇA COM DOR ONCOLÓGICA CRÔNICA

RESUMO Objetivo: discutir os aspectos contextuais relacionados ao gerenciamento do cuidado de enfermagem à criança hospitalizada com dor oncológica crônica. Método: pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvida com base no referencial metodológico da Teoria Fundamentada em Dados e no referencial teórico do Pensamento Complexo, a partir de Edgar Morin. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio da entrevista semiestruturada e da observação não participante. Os 21 participantes da pesquisa foram organizados em três grupos amostrais: o primeiro foi composto por sete enfermeiros; o segundo foi constituído por sete técnicos de enfermagem e o terceiro foi formado por sete profissionais da equipe multiprofissional de saúde. Os resultados da pesquisa foram validados por cinco examinadores, dos quais três apresentavam expertise no método de pesquisa. Resultados: a categoria intitulada “Desvelando aspectos contextuais sobre o gerenciamento do cuidado de enfermagem à criança com dor oncológica crônica” revelou por meio de suas subcategorias que a hospitalização dessa criança é longa, marcada por mudanças na dinâmica familiar, perdas e limitações impostas pela doença e/ou tratamento. O gerenciamento do cuidado de enfermagem é complexo, realizado por meio do trabalho em equipe e da demanda um planejamento que valorize as múltiplas necessidades da criança e do familiar. Conclusão: os resultados apontam para a necessidade do profissional de enfermagem contextualizar suas relações de cuidado, a partir da valorização de aspectos que transcendem a dimensão biológica da criança hospitalizada com dor oncológica crônica.