Siblings of children diagnosed with cancer

Being faced with a moral dilemma

Bibliographic Data

ID12517366
AuthorsEmma Hovén (0000-0001-9335-9714, Karolinska Institutet, corresponding author), Annika Lindahl Norberg (0000-0002-5276-6177, Karolinska Institutet), Teolinda Toft (Uppsala University), Ulla Forinder (0000-0001-8448-7917, Department of Social Work and Psychology, Faculty of Health and Occupational StudiesUniversity of Gävle, Gävle, Sweden)
Year2021
Volume29
Issue3
Pages1043-1060
Publication date2021-12-30
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Family Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1322-9400 • E-ISSN: 1839-3543
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13229400.2021.2021273
OpenAlexW4200155466
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited40

In this study, we explore how siblings of children diagnosed with cancer describe the implications of cancer experience in interaction with other young people. Seven focus groups were performed with 30 siblings, 14–23 years at the time of study. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. We applied the theoretical framework of ecological system theory and sociological perspective of childhood. Two themes were identified: family relations and maintaining normality. Family relations covered experiences of loneliness, neglect and changed family relationships. Siblings described being faced with a moral dilemma, where, on the one hand, it was difficult to handle the clash of being aware of their parents’ struggle and the severity of the illness; and on the other hand, refraining from claiming attention and support, resulting in experiencing loneliness and unmet needs. Maintaining normality involved descriptions of a strive for ‘normality,’ where the brother’s/sister’s cancer didn’t dominate. The results show how a sister’s/brother’s cancer disrupts the family system and the relations between microsystems, including school and friends. Young siblings should be recognized as independent agents, who have rights to be listened to. The health care system should create possibilities for siblings to express their own needs and provide appropriate support

Brother · Developmental psychology · Dilemma · Epistemology · Loneliness · Neglect · Normality · Perspective (graphical · Psychiatry · Qualitative research · Sister · Social science · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Childhood Cancer Survivors' Quality of Life · Family and Disability Support Research · Family Support in Illness · Psychology · Social Psychology

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