The experiences of siblings of paediatric cancer patients: a preliminary South African perspective
When a child is diagnosed with paediatric cancer, the entire family is affected. Relating to the impact of this new family diagnosis, it is often the siblings of the ill child who carry the greatest hidden burden of stress. Although there is a sound and growing body of international research pertaining to the sibling cancer experience, South African research on this topic is almost non-existent, and there is still much to be learnt. As a result, the present study aimed to gain a better understanding of the cancer experience from the perspective of South African siblings. To this end, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 healthy siblings who have a brother or sister who was diagnosed with paediatric cancer. The sibling sample comprised of 4 boys and 6 girls (Aged 8-18) who reside in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Data collected through the sibling interviews was analysed by means of thematic analyses. Five overall themes evolved from the siblings’ narratives. These themes related to the concept of cancer; concerns and worries; emotional experiences; changes; and resources and coping. Within each of these overarching themes, various sub-themes were also noted. In order to gain a holistic understanding of the sibling cancer experience, the five themes were contextualised and discussed in terms of various developmental theories including: Erikson’s psychosocial (socio-emotional) developmental theory; Piaget’s cognitive developmental theory; and Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological systems theory. Although findings relating to the cancer experience for siblings in the present study did not differ tremendously from those noted in previous research, the results still made a valuable contribution to the existing body of knowledge involving siblings and paediatric cancer. Light was shed on the unique cancer experience for 10 South African siblings, and great insight was gained into their unique emotional worlds. In conclusion the present study’s contributions as well as shortcomings were discussed, and intervention guidelines and recommendations for future research were provided.
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