The Emotional Experience and Perceived Changes in Siblings of Children With Cancer Reported During a Group Intervention

Abstract

Methodologically, this study demonstrated that the inclusion of visual materials as data is a valid methodology for future research. Clinically, these findings can help nurses in their daily care of children with cancer and their families.

An integrative review of sibling responses to childhood cancer

“…D'Urso, Mastroyannopoulou, and Kirby (2017) found that siblings experienced a variety of difficult emotions such as shock, fear, and uncertainty, especially at the time when their brother or sister was diagnosed with cancer. Some siblings expressed feeling left out from their own family or the ill child's cancer treatment itself (Neville et al, 2016), whereas others became increasingly withdrawn over the course of the cancer journey . O'Shea, Shea, Robert, and Cavanaugh (2012) also found that siblings displayed feelings of jealousy toward the ill child, making statements that the ill child received more parental attention, toys, food, gifts, and television time.…”

“…Siblings also experienced stress related to the cancer experience, adding significantly to the stressors already present in these children's daily lives (Neville et al, 2016). Furthermore, many siblings not only expressed grief, but also guilt as they considered that their brother or sister had a potentially terminal disease and might die (Jenholt nolbris et al, 2014).…”

“…Yang et al (2016) reported that despite difficult emotions, siblings were optimistic about the future and learned to empathize with their ill brother or sister during the cancer journey. Whereas the coping strategies used were unique to each child, each sibling seemed to experience a process where coping strategies improved with time and support from family and friends Neville et al, 2016). It was evident in the literature that some siblings experienced a change of emotion over time, as their brother or sister moved through their cancer diagnosis and treatment.…”

“…In the case of bereaved siblings, responses were further shaped by their mothers' states during the time after the ill child died. 2015), whereas for others, a strained relationship between siblings and the ill child ensued (Neville et al, 2016). When they were unable to achieve this goal, a strain on their relationship was felt, despite understanding their mother's sadness (Kamibeppu et al, 2015).…”

“…Many siblings expressed feeling like a burden on their family, not wishing to share problems that they were experiencing in their own life whereas their brother or sister was facing cancer (Neville et al, 2016). …”