Perceived stress of nonhospitalized children during the hospitalization of a sibling

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K Simon1

  • 1College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston.

Journal of Pediatric Nursing
|October 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Children not hospitalized still experience significant anxiety when a sibling is admitted. Their stress levels mirror those of hospitalized children, highlighting the emotional impact of sibling hospitalization on well siblings.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Pediatric Health
  • Family Studies

Background:

  • Sibling hospitalization is a common pediatric event.
  • The emotional impact on non-hospitalized siblings is often overlooked.
  • Understanding these children's perspectives is crucial for family-centered care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the stress and anxiety levels perceived by non-hospitalized children regarding a sibling's hospitalization.
  • To identify factors influencing these perceptions in children aged 5-12.
  • To compare perceived stress levels with those of hospitalized children.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the Child Drawing: Hospital (CD:H) tool for stress perception assessment.
  • Recruited 45 non-hospitalized children (5-12 years) with a hospitalized sibling (over 24 hours).
  • Collected data on sibling relationship, living situation, visitation frequency, and parental behavior changes.

Main Results:

  • Non-hospitalized children perceived hospitalization stress (anxiety) at levels comparable to hospitalized children.
  • Perceived stress was higher than in children in a general school setting.
  • Stress perception was not significantly linked to child's sex or age.
  • Perceived stress varied significantly with sibling relationship type, sibling's residence, visitation frequency, and observed parental behavior changes.

Conclusions:

  • Non-hospitalized children experience substantial anxiety related to sibling hospitalization.
  • Factors such as family dynamics and parental care significantly influence a child's perception of this stress.
  • Clinical interventions should consider the emotional well-being of all siblings.

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