The effectiveness of a peer support camp for siblings of children with cancer

Ranita Sidhu · Anne Elizabeth Passmore · David Baker

96 citations0/0 files storedPediatric Blood & Cancer

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Family Support in Illness Cancer survivorship and care Childhood Cancer Survivors' Quality of Life

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Siblings of children with cancer have higher levels of psychological stress and adaptational difficulties compared to siblings of healthy children and children with other chronic illness. This is the first study to report on the mental health of Australian siblings of children with cancer and examines the effects of a therapeutic peer support camp-Camp Onwards, as an intervention. PROCEDURE: A protocol, designed to reduce levels of distress, improve social competence, and improve knowledge about the impact of cancer and its treatment was developed. Siblings (n=26) 8-13 years were assessed using standardised self-report measures pre and post intervention and at -8 weeks follow-up with: the Behaviour Assessment for Children (BASC) (Reynolds & Kamphaus, 1992), Self Perception Profile for Children (SPP-C) (Harter, 1985), Sibling Perception Questionnaire (SPQ) (Carpenter & Sahler, 1991). RESULTS: Change was measured using paired t tests. At pre-test, 40% of the sample demonstrated increased levels of emotional distress when compared to the normal population. Post intervention, siblings reported lower levels of distress demonstrated by decreased anxiety (P=0.01) and positive changes in the Self Report of Personality [BASC] (P=0.00). Improved social competence was noted in the interpersonal domain of the SPQ (P=0.01) and also greater social acceptance scores on the SPP-C (P=0.01). Improved knowledge about the impact of cancer and its treatment was evidenced by significant reductions in the fear of disease domain on the SPQ (P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Siblings who attended Camp Onwards demonstrated improved mental health outcomes that were sustained at follow-up, demonstrating its effectiveness as an intervention strategy in supporting sibling adjustment.

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2002Siblings of Children With a Chronic Illness: A Meta-Analysis 1969Childhood Leukemia 1991Advances in Child Health Psychology 1999Adjustment of siblings to childhood cancer: a literature review 2004Coping and Family Functioning Predict Longitudinal Psychological Adaptation of Siblings of Childhood Cancer Patients 1988Examining the Effects of Chronic Disease and Disability on Children's Sibling Relationships 2001Development and administration of a measure to assess adolescents' participation in leisure activities.1988Stress and Coping in Siblings Of Childhood Cancer Patients

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