Quality of life and psychosocial adjustment in siblings of children with cancer

Abstract

The aim of our research was to investigate the quality of life and psychosocial adjustment of siblings of children with cancer (N=16), compared to the normative group of children and adolescents (N=128). We were also interested in how healthy siblings experience cancer-related changes in everyday life. Both groups completed self-assessment questionnaires on the quality of life (PedsQL) and psychosocial functioning (SDQ). The research group also answered a question about what has changed in their lives as a result of their sibling's illness. No statistically significant differences were found regarding quality of life and psychosocial functioning. However, the qualitative descriptions of siblings show that they experience unpleasant feelings, personal growth and changes in different areas of life (family and school environment, interpersonal relationships). We suggest different supportive interventions such as support and educational groups for children and individual psychotherapy in the case of emotional and behavioural problems.