Melissa A Alderfer1, Caroline Stanley2, Rowena Conroy2, Kristin A Long2, Diane L Fairclough2, Anne E Kazak2, Robert B Noll2. 1. Division of Oncology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia & Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Division of Oncology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Denver, and Nemours Center for Healthcare Delivery Science & Department of Pediatrics, Stanley Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University melissa.alderfer@nemours.org. 2. Division of Oncology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia & Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Division of Oncology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Denver, and Nemours Center for Healthcare Delivery Science & Department of Pediatrics, Stanley Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study examined social functioning among siblings of children with cancer. METHOD: A case-control design was applied to school- and home-based data from multiple informants (peers, teachers, mothers, and self). Social reputation and peer acceptance within the classroom was compared for 87 siblings (aged 8-16 years) and 256 demographically matched peers. Self-perceptions of peer relationships and parent-reported social competence were examined among 67 siblings and 67 matched comparisons. RESULTS: Peer reports (N = 1,633) indicated no differences between siblings and comparisons for social reputation, number of friendships, reciprocated friendships, or peer acceptance. Self-reported prosocial behavior and teacher-reported likability were higher for siblings than comparisons. Self-reported loneliness, friendship quality, and perceived social support did not differ between groups. Mothers reported less involvement in activities and poorer school performance for siblings than comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: Peer relationships of siblings of children with cancer are similar to classmates, though they experience small decrements in activity participation and school performance.
OBJECTIVE: This study examined social functioning among siblings of children with cancer. METHOD: A case-control design was applied to school- and home-based data from multiple informants (peers, teachers, mothers, and self). Social reputation and peer acceptance within the classroom was compared for 87 siblings (aged 8-16 years) and 256 demographically matched peers. Self-perceptions of peer relationships and parent-reported social competence were examined among 67 siblings and 67 matched comparisons. RESULTS: Peer reports (N = 1,633) indicated no differences between siblings and comparisons for social reputation, number of friendships, reciprocated friendships, or peer acceptance. Self-reported prosocial behavior and teacher-reported likability were higher for siblings than comparisons. Self-reported loneliness, friendship quality, and perceived social support did not differ between groups. Mothers reported less involvement in activities and poorer school performance for siblings than comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: Peer relationships of siblings of children with cancer are similar to classmates, though they experience small decrements in activity participation and school performance.
Authors: Helena C Kraemer; Jeffrey R Measelle; Jennifer C Ablow; Marilyn J Essex; W Thomas Boyce; David J Kupfer Journal: Am J Psychiatry Date: 2003-09 Impact factor: 18.112
Authors: Melissa A Alderfer; Kristin A Long; E Anne Lown; Anna L Marsland; Nancy L Ostrowski; Janet M Hock; Linda J Ewing Journal: Psychooncology Date: 2010-08 Impact factor: 3.894