The Role of Siblings During Pediatric Hospitalization

Abstract

Based on interview data from 56 families, the authors describes parents’ views of how siblings participate in and respond to a short-term pediatric hospitalization. Specific patterns of sibling contact with the hospitalized child are presented and the role of siblings in the family's overall adjustment to the situation is explored. Data revealed that most siblings maintained regular, direct contact with the hospitalized child. Almost half the siblings participated actively in accommodating family life to the hospitalization by assuming additional responsibilities in only 16 percent (n=17) of the siblings. Negative responses clustered in those siblings cared for outside their own home and in the 4 to 11 year age range.