Children with siblings with cystic fibrosis : impact of the illness and strategies used to cope, from the child's perspective

Abstract

This study explored the psychological impact of having a sibling with cystic fibrosis from the perspective of the child. It aimed to identify both negative and positive aspects of having an ill sibling with a life threatening illness. It further aimed to explore the coping strategies well children used when faced with difficulties relating to their sibling's illness. Parents coping strategies were also examined to identify whether a relationship existed between parent's and children' methods of coping.

19 children from 12 families who had a child with cystic fibrosis participated in the research. Mean age of siblings participating was 11 years and 2 months. Coping strategies were assessed by administering the COPE (Carver, Scheier & Weintraub, 1989) to parents and the Kidcope (Spirito, Stark & Williams, 1988) to children.

The study indicated that children experienced a number of difficulties in relation to their sibling's illness and used a variety of coping strategies. Coping strategies used were reported overall as being helpful and were similar to the strategies that children believed their parents used. Clinical implications of the findings included increasing the awareness of parents of the potential difficulties for children with an ill sibling and finding means of encouraging communication between parents and children. Recommendations for future research are suggested.

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