Siblings of children with cancer.

The psychosocial concerns of siblings of children with cancer have been studied for more than 30 years. This article reviews the research and clinical literature on the major stressors affecting siblings of pediatric patients with cancer with particular focus on the coping process. The coping process includes adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies used by the children. Negative and positive sibling psychosocial responses to the diagnosis and treatment of a malignancy are detailed with suggested nursing interventions.