An examination of self-efficacy, perceived support, and impact of illness in siblings of children with cancer

Currently, there is a paucity of research dedicated to understanding the experience of siblings of children with cancer. Literature available reveals both positive and negative experiences of these children, leading to mixed outcomes in intervention research. The current project includes a review of the psychological literature and a survey of 20 siblings regarding clinical variables such as self-efficacy, perceived support, and impact of illness and medical knowledge. Independent t test analyses of the data revealed no significant relationships between clinical, demographic, and medical variables, though several approached significance. These findings are discussed in light of study strengths, limitations, and resulting clinical implications