A Group Program for Helping Siblings of Children With Cancer

Abstract

Although the presence of childhood cancer threatens the equilibrium of the entire family, perhaps the most profoundly affected are the healthy siblings, who often suffer from a lack of knowledge as well as from feelings of abandonment, anger, resentment, sadness, and guilt. This article describes a model of intervention that provides education and support to the siblings of pediatric cancer patients, with a focus on promoting more successful coping and more open family communication.