[Psychosocial problems of well siblings of children with cancer]

Med Wieku Rozwoj. 2003 Jul-Sep;7(3):381-8.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

Children with cancer are not the only victims of the effects of the chronic or terminal illness and its treatment. Siblings of childhood cancer patients experience significant psychosocial distress and are isolated from support systems inside and outside the family. Fortunately, the impact of cancer on the patient's family has increasingly become the focus of much research. This article summarizes the issues and problems unique to the healthy brothers and sisters of children with cancer. It characterizes the impact on family functioning, intrapersonal and interpersonal problems, academic performance and psychosomatic symptoms. There is necessary to elaborate and introduce into practice the recommendation of early psychological intervention for healthy sibling and parents as well. Recommendations are needed for integrating preventive intervention and guidelines for caregivers in helping these siblings and their parents.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Family Health*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Siblings / psychology*