Siblings of children with life‐limiting conditions: Psychological adjustment and sibling relationships
Title
Siblings of children with life‐limiting conditions: Psychological adjustment and sibling relationships
Creator
Fullerton JM; Totsika V; Hain R; Hastings RP
Identifier
Publisher
Child: Care, Health and Development
Date
2017
Subject
Behavior Problems; behaviour problems; Childhood Development; Emotional Adjustment; impact on siblings; life‐limiting; quality of life; Quality of Life; Sibling Relations; Terminally Ill Patients
Description
Background: This study explored psychological adjustment and sibling relationships of siblings of children with life‐limiting conditions (LLCs), expanding on previous research by defining LLCs using a systematic classification of these conditions. Methods: Thirty‐nine siblings participated, aged 3–16 years. Parents completed measures of siblings' emotional and behavioural difficulties, quality of life, sibling relationships and impact on families and siblings. Sibling and family adjustment and relationships were compared with population norms, where available, and to a matched comparison group of siblings of children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), as a comparable ‘high risk’ group. Results: LLC siblings presented significantly higher levels of emotional and behavioural difficulties, and lower quality of life than population norms. Their difficulties were at levels comparable to siblings of children with ASD. A wider impact on the family was confirmed. Family socio‐economic position, time since diagnosis, employment and accessing hospice care were factors associated with better psychological adjustment. Conclusions: Using a systematic classification of LLCs, the study supported earlier findings of increased levels of psychological difficulties in siblings of children with a LLC. The evidence is (i) highlighting the need to provide support to these siblings and their families, and (ii) that intervention approaches could be drawn from the ASD field. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Rights
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Citation List Month
2026 SE2 - Parent Perspectives
URL Address
Citation
Fullerton JM; Totsika V; Hain R; Hastings RP, “Siblings of children with life‐limiting conditions: Psychological adjustment and sibling relationships,” Pediatric Palliative Care Library, accessed February 16, 2025, https://pedpalascnetlibrary.omeka.net/items/show/19205.