Validation of responses reported by school-aged siblings of hospitalized children.
This study examined measurement of the effects of a pediatric hospitalization on siblings using a Perceived Change Scale. Data on perceived changes in feelings and behaviors were obtained from 39 siblings 5 to 10 years of age in a structured interview and from 41 siblings 11 to 17 years of age with a questionnaire. Responses to the questionnaire used to assess perceived changes in older siblings formed a single dimension with adequate reliability, criterion validity, and concurrent validity. Responses to the structured interview used for younger siblings formed three dimensions, with a lower alpha coefficient. Suggestions for use of these scales are made.
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002673:Child, Hospitalized; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D012801:Sibling Relations; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D014481:United States