The role of family: perceptions of children with sickle cell

The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of the quality of family relationships between children with sickle cell disease and their non-diseased siblings. In this study, 28 subjects were interviewed in their homes. The quality of family relations was assessed utilizing the Family Environment Scale (Moos & Moos, 1981). There was no significant difference in cohesion, expressiveness, conflict, or organization. Control was higher for boys than girls. Implications for family nursing practice are presented.