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Siblings of children with life-limiting conditions : psychological adjustment and sibling relationships

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Fullerton, Joanne, Totsika, Vasiliki, Hain, Richard and Hastings, Richard P. (2017) Siblings of children with life-limiting conditions : psychological adjustment and sibling relationships. Child : Care, Health and Development, 43 (3). pp. 393-400. doi:10.1111/cch.12421

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Official URL: http://doi.org/10.1111/cch.12421

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Abstract

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.

Item Type: Journal Article
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman
Divisions: Faculty of Social Sciences > Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal and Research (CEDAR)
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): Brothers and sisters of people with disabilities -- Psychological aspects
Journal or Publication Title: Child : Care, Health and Development
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
ISSN: 1365-2214
Official Date: May 2017
Dates:
DateEvent
May 2017Published
1 November 2016Available
2 October 2016Accepted
Volume: 43
Number: 3
Page Range: pp. 393-400
DOI: 10.1111/cch.12421
Status: Peer Reviewed
Publication Status: Published
Access rights to Published version: Restricted or Subscription Access
Funder: Bangor University. North Wales Clinical Psychology Programme

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