Sibling adjustment to pediatric traumatic brain injury: a case-controlled pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess depressive symptoms, self-concept, and behavior in non-affected siblings of children with severe pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI).


METHODS
Cross-sectional study with case controls.


METHODS
Children's hospital tertiary care center.


METHODS
Twelve siblings of children consecutively admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation unit after a severe TBI. Case controls were randomly selected from the sibling's classmates.


METHODS
The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), the Teacher's Report Form of the CBCL (TRF-CBCL), the Self-Perception Profile for Children and the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI).


RESULTS
No statistical differences were found in depressive symptoms, self-concept, or behavior between the siblings and their classmates 3 to 18 months after injury. Poorer functional outcomes in the child with a TBI were found to correlate significantly with lower self-concept and more symptoms of depression in the siblings.


CONCLUSIONS
Further research is needed to evaluate the potential impact on sibling adjustment after pediatric TBI.
McMahon
M A
MA
Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA. mcmamo@chmcc.org
Noll
R B
RB
Michaud
L J
LJ
Johnson
J C
JC
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D009679:Nuclear Family; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012649:Self Concept; D013997:Time Factors; D015599:Trauma Severity Indices