ERIC Number: ED433476
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1998-Dec
Pages: 71
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
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Siblings' Response to a Survivor of Childhood Cancer: A Review of the Literature on What Leads to Healthy Adjustment or Maladjustment.
Hamilton, Todd Lee
This paper reviews the research on how siblings respond to another sibling who has survived childhood cancer. The paper examines the siblings' ability to cope, adjust, and adapt to this stressor. Relevant interventions are also discussed. The research indicates that although siblings may experience heightened emotional and behavioral problems, overall their psychological adjustment is adequate and not altogether different from siblings in healthy families. The two strongest predictor variables appear to be the compound variable gender/age and the presence of problems existing before diagnosis. The siblings' level of maturity and ability to overcome stressors contributed to a healthy adjustment. When the siblings' level of ability to adapt is considered, those who are categorized as dysfunctional have more difficulty than siblings classified as resilient. Finally, interventions that promote family cohesiveness, adaptability, and open communication facilitated healthy coping, adapting, and adjustment. (Contains 46 references.) (Author/GCP)
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
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