Predictors of unmet needs and psychological distress in adolescent and young adult siblings of people diagnosed with cancer

Abstract

These results highlight the variables that can assist in identifying AYA siblings of cancer patients who are at risk and have a greater need for psychosocial assistance. Variables that may be associated with increased distress and unmet needs are reported to assist with future research. The results are also useful in informing the development of targeted psychosocial support for AYA siblings of cancer patients.

Outcomes of an enhancement study with additional psychoeducational sessions for healthy siblings of a child with cancer during inpatient family‐oriented rehabilitation

“…On inclusion in our study, about 1 to 2 years after the initial diagnosis of cancer in their ill child and after remission of the disease, it seems that the healthy children have learned to cope with the disease‐related stressors. Similar findings were shown in previous studies . It is likely that the parents' focus has returned to usual family life and routines, and healthy children may receive more attention from their parents than during the acute treatment phase.…”

Psychosocial functioning and risk factors among siblings of children with cancer: An updated systematic review

“…Thirty papers reported on family functioning (3 quantitative, 25 qualitative, 2 mixed‐methods) . Seven qualitative papers were low in sibling‐specific scientific merit …”

“…Nearly half of siblings reported unhealthy family functioning during or up to 3 years following treatment, including chaotic or disengaged patterns of functioning, but rates of unhealthy family functioning in the general population are unknown. Siblings reported multiple family‐related unmet needs, including limited acknowledgement and attention …”

Life balance in adult healthy siblings of individuals with childhood cancer.

“…McDonald, Patterson, White, Butow, and Bell (2014) found that age differences between the healthy sibling and the child with cancer, and whether the cancer child is on treatment or has relapsed, also influence healthy sibling outcomes. The bigger the age difference, the more unmet needs the healthy sibling experiences.…”

“…The bigger the age difference, the more unmet needs the healthy sibling experiences. Likewise, periods of treatment or relapse contribute to distress in the healthy sibling (McDonald et al, 2014).…”