Interrelationships among variables affecting well siblings and mothers in families of children with a chronic illness or disability.
A structural equation model (SEM) examined interrelationships among psychosocial variables known to affect the health and development of well siblings and parents when a child with a chronic illness or disability is a member of the family. Using dyads of 252 well children and parents, socioeconomic status (SES) and family cohesion were associated with the parent-reported behavior of the well sibling. SES also influenced the mood of the mother that in turn influenced family cohesion. The well sibling's knowledge about the illness of the brother or sister, attitude toward the illness, mood, self-esteem, and feelings of social support were interrelated and related to the behavior of the well sibling. The SEM suggests that interventions may be directed at several points in these interactions including boosting knowledge levels of the well sibling, improving family cohesion, and assuring adequate "income" support to the family through income transfers or in-kind services.
Williams
Phoebe Dauz
PD
University of Kansas School of Nursing, 3901 Rainbow Building, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA. pwilliam@kumc.edu
Williams
Arthur R
AR
Graff
J Carolyn
JC
Hanson
Sandra
S
Stanton
Anne
A
Hafeman
Carol
C
Liebergen
Adrienne
A
Leuenberg
Karla
K
Setter
Robyn Karlin
RK
Ridder
Lavonne
L
Curry
Heather
H
Barnard
Martha
M
Sanders
Susan
S
D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D005192:Family Health; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012649:Self Concept; D035781:Siblings / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support