title: The experience of therapeutic support groups by siblings of children with cancer.
abstract: When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the whole family, including siblings, lives in fear of how the cancer will affect the sick child and how it will influence other family members. The aim of this article is to describe the experiences expressed by the siblings in a support group environment when their families have or have had a child diagnosed with cancer. Fifteen siblings 8 to 19 years of age with a brother or sister who was receiving treatment for or had died from cancer were interviewed after participating in therapeutic support groups. These interviews were conducted two weeks after the last group interaction and were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Regardless of gender and age, the siblings felt a sense of belonging and comfort by being in a group, which they appreciated. They were able to share their experiences and help each other with advice and encouragement. They all drew strength from each other. A therapeutic support group for siblings of children with cancer is beneficial. Follow-up interviews with the siblings indicated they found the groups helpful in coping with their situation.
authors.affiliation: Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Institute of Health Care Sciences, Göteborg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Margaretha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nolbris
authors.forename: Jonas
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Abrahamsson
authors.forename: Anna-Lena
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Hellström
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Olofsson
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Enskär
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004496:Education, Continuing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D035781:Siblings / Q000523:psychology*