Siblings of children with life-limiting conditions: psychological adjustment and sibling relationships.
This study explored psychological adjustment and sibling relationships of siblings of children with life-limiting conditions (LLCs), expanding on previous research by defining LLCs using a systematic classification of these conditions.



Thirty-nine siblings participated, aged 3-16 years. Parents completed measures of siblings' emotional and behavioural difficulties, quality of life, sibling relationships and impact on families and siblings. Sibling and family adjustment and relationships were compared with population norms, where available, and to a matched comparison group of siblings of children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), as a comparable 'high risk' group.



LLC siblings presented significantly higher levels of emotional and behavioural difficulties, and lower quality of life than population norms. Their difficulties were at levels comparable to siblings of children with ASD. A wider impact on the family was confirmed. Family socio-economic position, time since diagnosis, employment and accessing hospice care were factors associated with better psychological adjustment.



Using a systematic classification of LLCs, the study supported earlier findings of increased levels of psychological difficulties in siblings of children with a LLC. The evidence is (i) highlighting the need to provide support to these siblings and their families, and (ii) that intervention approaches could be drawn from the ASD field.
Child Psychology Services, Denbighshire CAMHS, Betsi Cadwaladr NHS Trust, Bangor, UK.
J M
JM
Fullerton
Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal and Research (CEDAR) and Centre for Education Studies (CES), University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
V
V
Totsika
Paediatric Palliative Care, Children's Hospital, Paediatric Palliative Care, Children's Hospital, Cardiff, UK.|University of South Wales, Cardiff, UK.|University of Bangor, Bangor, UK.
R
R
Hain
Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal and Research (CEDAR), University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
R P
RP
Hastings
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000523:psychology*; D000066498:Emotional Adjustment; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012801:Sibling Relations; D035781:Siblings / Q000523:psychology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
behaviour problems; impact on siblings; life-limiting; quality of life