Psychosocial outcomes in siblings of pediatric cancer patients

Abstract

Research in pediatric psychology has scarcely begun to investigate the psychosocial needs of siblings of pediatric cancer patients. The purpose of this literature review was to discuss the articles that have investigated the psychosocial needs of pediatric cancer patients as well as the articles that suggest promising intervention strategies to help these young individuals. The articles discussed investigated the effects on healthy-siblings during the cancer treatment, the outside factors that influence the amount of distress a sibling may suffer with, the differences in reactions and adjustment between nonbereaved and bereaved siblings, and the possible intervention strategies including increased social support, family-oriented rehabilitation programs, psychological interventions, educational interventions, and experiences in camp environments designed specifically for siblings of pediatric cancer. Much progress has been made in this domain of pediatric psychology; however, further research should be conducted to provide the maximum amount of support for siblings of pediatric cancer patients.