Psychosocial interventions for siblings of children with cancer: A mixed methods systematic review

Ting Guan, Mimi V. Chapman, Yousef Qan'ir, Lixin Song

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: This review systematically (1) describes the characteristics of psychosocial interventions for siblings of children with cancer (SCC); (2) assesses the effect of the psychosocial interventions on SCCs' outcomes, and (3) describes SCCs' experiences and perceptions of these interventions. Methods: Seven databases were systematically searched for relevant literature. We included both quantitative and qualitative studies of psychological interventions designed to improve the adjustment of SCCs. Results: Our database searches yielded 19 publications. We found a range of psychosocial interventions being used among SCCs, with group interventions being the most common. The primary outcomes focused on the SCCs' depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Quantitative studies provided insufficient evidence to draw definitive conclusions about the interventions' effects, whereas the qualitative studies indicated that SCCs can derive benefits from these interventions, including an enhanced sense of belonging and bonding, improved family relationships, increased self-awareness and confidence, increased cancer knowledge, and decreased somatic symptoms. Conclusions: Although a growing number of psychosocial interventions have been developed to improve the adjustment of SCCs, research evidence of the effects of these interventions on SCCs' adjustment remains limited. Future research needs to rigorously evaluate the effects of these interventions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)818-831
Number of pages14
JournalPsycho-Oncology
Volume30
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • childhood cancer
  • intervention
  • mixed methods
  • oncology
  • psycho-oncology
  • psychosocial adjustment
  • siblings
  • systematic review

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Oncology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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