Siblings of children with diabetes: involvement, understanding and adaptation.
The psychosocial adjustment of 30 siblings (aged 8-18 years) of children with diabetes mellitus was studied. Although most were younger than the diabetic child, 55% were closely involved in the dietary management and insulin treatment of the diabetes, yet many had only a limited understanding of the disease. Most were well-adjusted. However, low levels of self-esteem were apparent among some subjects, who did not fee free to question their parents about diabetes (30%), who identified themselves as the member of the family most likely to receive blame (33%), and who reported spending more time at home with their families than their peers (40%). Nine children (30%) worried about becoming ill themselves. None believed that having a child with diabetes in the family had impaired relationships in the home. Six siblings (20%) also described some positive effects of the illness, particularly enhanced family closeness.
Adams
R
R
Oxford University, Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, UK.
Peveler
R C
RC
Stein
A
A
Dunger
D B
DB
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003863:Depression; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003927:Diet, Diabetic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D012649:Self Concept; D012801:Sibling Relations; D012917:Social Adjustment