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Behavioural problems of children with chronic physical illness and their siblings
M Stawski1, J G Auerbach, M Barasch
1Aberbanel Hospital, Bat Yam, Israel.
Insights
Children with chronic illnesses and their siblings may face behavioral issues. This study found correlations between their behavior scores, with older siblings showing more internalizing problems, but overall risks remained similar to the general population.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Pediatric Health
- Family Studies
Background:
- Children with chronic physical illnesses are at higher risk for behavioral problems.
- Siblings of chronically ill children also face increased risk for behavioral issues.
- Parental reports are crucial for assessing child behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate parent-reported behavioral problems in chronically ill children and their siblings.
- To examine the relationship between the behavior problem scores of ill children and their siblings.
- To compare sibling behavior problem scores with normative and clinical groups.
Main Methods:
- Parental questionnaires were used to assess behavior problems in chronically ill children and their siblings.
- Statistical analysis was performed to identify correlations between sibling behavior scores.
- Comparison groups of healthy children and psychiatrically referred children were included.
Main Results:
- Significant positive correlations were found between the behavior problem scores of ill children and their siblings.
- Older siblings exhibited higher scores for internalizing behavior problems compared to younger siblings.
- Sibling behavior problem scores were comparable to a general population sample and distinct from a clinical sample.
Conclusions:
- While siblings of chronically ill children show some shared behavioral patterns, their overall risk for clinical behavior problems is not elevated compared to the general population.
- Age and birth order may influence the type and severity of behavioral issues in siblings of chronically ill children.
- Further research should explore targeted support for siblings, particularly older ones, and investigate underlying mechanisms.
Abstract:
Children suffering from chronic physical illness are considered to be at increased risk for behavioural problems. There is also evidence that their siblings are at risk for behavioural problems. This study investigated parent-reported behavioural problems in chronically ill children and their siblings. There were significant positive correlations between the behaviour problem scores of the ill children and the scores of their siblings. Siblings older than the ill child had significantly higher behaviour problems scores of an internalizing nature than did the younger siblings. Sibling behaviour problem scores were similar to those of a comparison group of normal children and significantly different from those of a comparison group of psychiatrically referred children. Siblings of chronically ill children showed no greater likelihood of receiving scores in the clinical range of behaviour problems than children in the general population. Implications of the findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.