Sibling Response to Chronic Childhood Disorders: Research Perspectives and Practice Implications

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Numerous studies examine the impact of chronic childhood illness or disability on well siblings with a variety of sometimes contradictory findings. To help make sense of the available information, this paper presents an examination of the literature in light of the three main theoretical perspectives employed by researchers in the area. The major philosophical assumptions, conclusions, and methodological weaknesses associated with each perspective are outlined. From the coping-based literature, five successful coping strategies employed by families of chronically ill or disabled children are described. Suggestions for health care professionals on how to encourage positive sibling adaptation through the promotion of these strategies are given.

This publication has 25 references indexed in Scilit: