Behavior and Feeling Changes in Siblings of Hospitalized Children

Abstract

The effects of hospitalization on ill children and their parents have been studied repeatedly, but effects on well siblings have received little attention. This investigation was designed to investigate sibling reactions when a brother or sister is hospitalized. The changes in feelings and behavior as reported by 123 siblings of hospitalized children and their parents from a large teaching hospital were studied. Young siblings were interviewed, while older siblings and parents were given a questionnaire. Siblings reported an average of four changes each. The number of changes reported by siblings was related significantly to several factors, such as sibling age, relationship of sibling with hospitalized child, explanation, fear of getting the illness, residence of sibling during hospitalization of the sick child, and perceived changes in parenting. Even though siblings reported 519 changes, their patents reported only one-half that number. Parents of hospitalized children may not know how their well children are reacting. For this reason, health professionals need to interview siblings as well as parents to assess sibling welfare accurately. In addition, health professionals can help siblings by insuring that an adequate explanation is given to siblings and by encouraging parents to maintain siblings at home, either with a sitter or family members.