Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Sibling relationships have important implications for individual development and functioning. Evaluating this relationship within the family context is important as it both operates within and is influenced by the family. Research on sibling relationship quality among survivors of pediatric cancer is limited. This study assessed survivor-reported sibling closeness, and the individual- and family-level factors associated with closeness within six months after completing cancer treatment. METHODS: This study is a secondary analysis of a larger study including survivors of pediatric brain tumors and solid tumors. Participants included survivors (n = 73; ages 7-14; Mage = 10.87; Female = 39.7%) that reported having a sibling (Mage = 11.66; Female = 53.4%) and their caregiver (Mage = 43.22; Female = 80.8%). Caregivers completed measures of survivor and family functioning, and a demographic survey. Survivors reported on sibling relationship quality. T-tests, correlations, and a linear regression evaluated hypothesized associations. RESULTS: In univariate analyses, sibling order was significantly related to closeness such that survivors with an older sibling reported higher levels of closeness compared to those with a younger sibling. Correlations revealed that older sibling age, better family functioning, and fewer survivor externalizing symptoms were significantly related to higher levels of closeness. Linear regression analysis indicated that family functioning was significantly associated with sibling closeness. CONCLUSIONS: Family functioning is uniquely related to sibling relationship quality in survivors of pediatric cancer, beyond individual survivor- and sibling-related factors. Longitudinal research should examine how sibling relationships vary over time, from diagnosis, through treatment, and into remission.