Change Across Time in Cancer-Related Traumatic Stress Symptoms of Siblings of Children with Cancer: A Preliminary Investigation

Alderfer, Melissa A.; Logan, Beth A.; DiDonato, Stephen; Jackson, Leela; Hayes, Marie J.; Sigmon, Sandra T.

doi:10.1007/s10880-019-09618-2

Cited by 15 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…For example, a relatively common finding is that HS had elevated internalizing and externalizing behavioral issues with many of the scores being in the clinical range, as compared with siblings of healthy children (Gold, Mahrer, et al, 2008; Hollidge, 2000; Kung et al, 2018; Lobato et al, 2005; Wood et al, 2008). Similarly, Alderfer and colleagues (2020) reported one third of siblings had moderate to severe cancer-related traumatic stress.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 97%

Sibling Adjustment to Childhood Chronic Illness: An Integrative Review

Lummer-Aikey

Goldstein

2020

J Fam Nurs

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Siblings of children with a chronic illness are among the close family members impacted by childhood chronic illness. Family roles, routines, and functioning are adjusted to fit the needs of the child and family throughout the course of the illness. Empirical articles regarding adjustment of healthy siblings of children with chronic illnesses ages 0 to 17 years, published in 2000 to 2019 were searched on PsycInfo, PubMed, and Medline using the keywords “sibling adjustment,” “sibling chronic,” and “sibling illness.” Through thematic synthesis, four broad topics emerged concerning sibling adjustment to chronic illness: (a) experiences, (b) psychosocial adjustment, (c) coping, and (d) communication. Implications for family nursing and family health practitioners and future research directions are presented.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 97%

Sibling Adjustment to Childhood Chronic Illness: An Integrative Review

Lummer-Aikey

Goldstein

2020

J Fam Nurs

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“…Participants in this study demonstrated a significant decrease in anxiety from T1 to T2 and a sustained decrease at T3. Research has shown that siblings of children with cancer often fall into clinical ranges of anxiety (Alderfer et al, 2020; Barrera et al, 2002; Neville et al, 2016). An interesting and contradictory finding in this study with extant work was that at all three-time points sibling mean scores were within the 40–60 range, which has been described as no more problematic than for most students (Reynolds & Richmond, 2008).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Posttraumatic stress is a mental health response to a terrifying experience, and symptoms may include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, avoidance, negative changes in temperament, ongoing distress, irritability, trouble concentrating, and self-destructive behavior (Kazak et al, 2004). A substantial number of siblings experience PTSS (Alderfer et al, 2010(Alderfer et al, , 2020Gerhardt et al, 2015;Hancock, 2011;Kaplan et al, 2013;Long et al, 2018;Tasker & Stonebridge, 2016;Yu & Bang, 2015). In one study examining family functioning and sibling distress, 62% (n = 209) of siblings reported moderate to severe PTSS, warranting a need for support services (Long et al, 2013).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A study that examined the long-term effects of distress on siblings of children with cancer found that insufficient communication with parents, trusted adults, and siblings was associated with a risk of anxiety, especially in bereaved siblings (Wallin et al, 2016). In addition to anxiety, siblings of children with cancer were at risk of PTSS (Alderfer et al, 2003(Alderfer et al, , 2020Kaplan et al, 2013).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Siblings of children with cancer fall into clinical ranges of anxiety at rates greater than the general population (Alderfer et al, 2020; Barrera et al, 2002; Neville et al, 2016). Anxiety is characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, tension related to uncertainty, and increased sensitivity to surroundings (American Psychological Association, 2018).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Gregory

Puymbroeck

Crowe

et al. 2021

Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nursing

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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.

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