Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 7, 2025
Investigating Pain-Related Avoidance Behavior using a Robotic Arm-Reaching Paradigm
Published on: October 3, 2020
A scoping review on the study of siblings in pediatric pain
Meghan G Schinkel1,2, Christine T Chambers1,2,3, Jill A Hayden4
1Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.
Insights
Research on siblings and pediatric pain is growing, but largely focuses on quantitative, biological aspects. Future studies should use qualitative methods to better understand the sibling experience in pain.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Family Studies
- Pain Research
Background:
- Sibling relationships are lifelong and significantly impact child development.
- Research on siblings within the context of pediatric pain is an emerging field.
- Understanding these dynamics is crucial for comprehensive pediatric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review of existing research on siblings and pediatric pain.
- To map the types of studies available and identify research gaps.
- To guide future research directions in this area.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search of major academic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Embase, Web of Science) was performed up to November 2016.
- Data extraction focused on study methodologies, participant demographics, outcome assessments, and investigated sibling influences.
- Thirty-five studies were included in the review.
Main Results:
- Most studies (n=28) employed quantitative methods, primarily involving children (6-12 years) and adolescents (13-18 years).
- The majority of research (n=30) focused on chronic and disease-related pain.
- Quantitative studies emphasized genetic influences, while qualitative/mixed-methods studies explored relational impacts.
Conclusions:
- Current research on siblings and pediatric pain predominantly uses quantitative approaches, focusing on biological aspects.
- There is a need for more qualitative or mixed-methods studies to explore the lived experiences of siblings.
- Incorporating diverse assessment tools and multiple perspectives will yield richer insights into the sibling experience of pain.
Abstract:
Background: Sibling relationships are longstanding across an individual's life and are influential in children's development. The study of siblings in pediatric pain is, although in early stages, a growing field. Aims: This scoping review sought to summarize and map the type of research available examining siblings and pediatric pain to identify gaps and directions for future research. Methods: Studies were identified based on a search of PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Embase, and Web of Science (up to November 2016). We extracted data about study methods, the sample, outcome assessment, and the influence/relationships investigated. Results: Thirty-five studies were included. Most studies used quantitative methods (n = 28), and participants typically included children (i.e., aged 6-12; n = 24) and adolescents (i.e., aged 13-18; n = 18). The majority of studies examined siblings in the context of chronic and disease-related pain (n = 30). Though quantitative studies primarily focused on the genetic influence of pain conditions (n = 18), qualitative and mixed-methods studies typically focused on exploring the impact of siblings with and without pain on one another (n = 2) and the impact of pain on the broader dyadic relationship/functioning (n = 4). Conclusions: Sibling research in pediatric pain has been primarily focused on the biological/physical components of pain, using quantitative approaches. Conducting more studies using qualitative or mixed-methods designs, incorporating multiple assessment measures (e.g., observational, self-report) and multiple perspectives (e.g., siblings, health professionals), may provide an opportunity to gain richer and more comprehensive information regarding the experience of siblings.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings
01:22Case Studies
01:25Analgesia and Pain Management
01:23Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast,...