SIBLINGS OF CHILDREN WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS: PERCEPTIONS OF THE IMPACT OF THE DISEASE, COPING BEHAVIORS, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ADJUSTMENT

LOIS CHRISTINE HARDER, Purdue University

Abstract

The objectives of this descriptive study were to learn how siblings of chronically ill children believed the disease affected them; to learn about these siblings' use of coping behaviors; and to learn what factors predicted their psychological adjustment. Hill's (1949) crisis framework was used as the theoretical model. Subjects were 19 siblings of children with cystic fibrosis (CF), ages 7 to 16. Structured interviews with the subjects focused on perceived impact of the CF and on the use and helpfulness of coping behaviors. Schwachman scores measured the health of the diseased siblings, and the Louisville Behavior Checklist (LBCL) measured the subjects' psychological adjustment. Frequencies of interview responses and review of interview transcripts suggested that the impact of CF varied widely and that a variety of coping behaviors was helpful. Pearson correlations indicated significant positive relationships between perceptions of positive impact on the family and responses that Direct Action coping behaviors (activities) helped a lot, between perceived problematic (potentially negative) impact on the family and the use of Direct Action behaviors, and between resolved problematic impact and responses that Direct Action behaviors helped a little. A significant negative correlation was found between perceived neutral impact on the family and use of Direct Action behaviors. Those whose siblings were in poorer health tended to deny feelings of fear, guilt, embarrassment, and anxiety. Regression analysis which tested prediction of psychological adjustment by perceptions of impact, helpfulness of coping behaviors, and health of the diseased siblings showed only helpfulness of Defensive Reappraisal behaviors (thought processes) to be a significant predictor of psychological adjustment. This analysis did not support Hill's (1949) crisis model. Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance found that males were more likely than females to find the disease's impact on the family negative, and that subjects from higher income families tended to report that they experienced fear, guilt, and anxiety a little. Results demonstrate the importance of assessing each family situation individually.

Degree

Ph.D.

Subject Area

Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology

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