Anxiety and isolation in siblings of pediatric cancer patients: the need for prevention

Abstract

This paper reports the clinical findings of a sibling group program used in an exploratory study designed to provide information about the unmet psychosocial needs of siblings of pediatric cancer patients. Two multisession groups, one for elementary school age children and one for adolescents, were held at a metropolitan teaching hospital to enable siblings to identify, express and master their feelings of anxiety and isolation in a supportive atmosphere. Eight major sources of anxiety and isolation were identified. Recommendations are made for integrating preventive intervention with siblings into standard hospital social work practice.