Sibling Research
Brothers and sisters of children with cancer often feel like the “shadow survivors.” Though they do not experience the physical diagnosis of cancer, siblings are affected in ways that may profoundly impact their lives – in potentially negative ways, or if supported, in ways that will help build strength as they move forward in their lives.
SuperSibs! has established a Sibling Research Advisory Board (SRAB) in an effort to promote and encourage further research on siblings of children with cancer. Further research is underway to ensure the best possible evidence-based support to pre-empt preventable negative impact, and to help siblings thrive long into the future. Please contact SuperSibs! if you are conducting sibling-related research, or if you are interested in more information about the Sibling Research Advisory Board.
Research summary findings:
- Siblings of children with cancer are particularly vulnerable to depression, anger, anxiety, feelings of guilt, and social isolation.(Spinetta, 1981)
- There is increased sibling rivalry, anger, frustration, feelings of rejection, guilt, loneliness, sadness, confusion, and anxiety.(Kramer, 1981)
- Younger siblings were reported by parents to have more externalizing behavior problems (aggression, regression, school performance).(Ferrari, 1984)
- Siblings have been identified as the most emotionally neglected and unhappy of all family members during serious childhood illnesses.(Chesler, 1987)
- Older siblings are at increased risk for internalizing disorders (depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive symptoms).(Stawski, 1996)
- Siblings of bone marrow transplant patients showed anxiety, social withdrawal, externalizing symptoms, and moderate levels of post-traumatic stress disorder. (Packman, 1997)
- Siblings are at risk for poor academic achievement, impaired social interactions, guilt, aggressiveness, withdrawal, anxiety, tearfulness, jealousy, anxiety.(Sahler, 1994 and 1997)
- Researchers noted emotional stress, sense of emotional deprivation, anger, guilt and decrease in parental tolerance.(Murray, 1999)
- 53% of siblings ages 8-18 (within 2 years of diagnosis) reported moderate to severe Post Traumatic Stress Symptoms and 27% qualify for a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. (Alderfer, 2007)
Good care for siblings includes making brothers and sisters feel useful and participative, providing useful, manageable information, and giving opportunities to share thoughts and feelings. Assistance includes emotional support, fair attention and family life. (Von Essen and Enskar, 2003) - Siblings with more social support indicated significantly fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fewer behavior problems than siblings with less social support. High level of social support plays a protective role in psychological adjustment of siblings of pediatric cancer patients. (Barrera, 2004)
A note from SuperSibs!
As these last findings show… inclusion, information, involvement, expression and support can play a significant role in sibling “survivorship” and well-being.
You have SuperSibs! commitment to continue encouraging sound, professional sibling research and to providing the most effective information and services to help parents, relatives, professionals and the public to promote post-traumatic growth and well-being for siblings and their families.