Siblings of children with a chronic illness: a meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature pertaining to the siblings of children with a chronic illness.


METHODS
Fifty-one published studies and 103 effect sizes were identified and examined through meta-analysis.


RESULTS
We found (1) a modest, negative effect size statistic existed for siblings of children with a chronic illness relative to comparison participants or normative data; (2) heterogeneity existed for those effect sizes; (3) parent reports were more negative than child self-reports; (4) psychological functioning (i.e., depression, anxiety), peer activities, and cognitive development scores were lower for siblings of children with a chronic illness compared to controls; and (5) a cluster of chronic illnesses with daily treatment regimes was associated with negative effect statistics compared to chronic illnesses that did not affect daily functioning.


CONCLUSIONS
More methodologically sound studies investigating the psychological functioning of siblings of children with a chronic illness are needed. Clinicians need to know that siblings of children with a chronic illness are at risk for negative psychological effects. Intervention programs for the siblings and families of children with a chronic illness should be developed.
Sharpe
Donald
D
Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Sasketchewan, Canada. sharped@uregina.ca
Rossiter
Lucille
L
D000124:Achievement; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D003071:Cognition; D006801:Humans; D012801:Sibling Relations; D035781:Siblings / Q000523:psychology*; D012917:Social Adjustment