SIBLING ADAPTATION TO CHILDHOOD-CANCER COLLABORATIVE STUDY - THE ASSOCIATION OF SIBLING ADAPTATION WITH MATERNAL WELL-BEING, PHYSICAL HEALTH, AND RESOURCE USE

This multi-institutional study investigated the association of behavio ral/emotional adaptation among siblings of children with cancer with m aternal general well-being, physical health, and resource use. One hun dred seventy siblings and mothers completed standardized interviews an d self-report measures 6 to 42 months after the cancer was diagnosed. As a group, mothers of children with cancer reported significantly low er levels of well-being than matched controls. When stratified accordi ng to the level of the sibling's behavioral/emotional adaptation, moth ers of siblings in the Dysfunctional group (1) reported the lowest lev els of well-being; (2) during the preceding year, were more likely to have sought professional services than mothers of children in the Resi lient group; and (3) were least likely to have found social support he lpful. Our results support an association between maternal well-being and sibling adjustment but show it is unlikely that nonspecific social support will improve adjustment. The rationale for problem-solving tr aining for mothers is provided.