A scoping review on the study of siblings in pediatric pain.

: Sibling relationships are longstanding across an individual's life and are influential in children's development. The study of siblings in pediatric pain is, although in early stages, a growing field. : This scoping review sought to summarize and map the type of research available examining siblings and pediatric pain to identify gaps and directions for future research. : Studies were identified based on a search of PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Embase, and Web of Science (up to November 2016). We extracted data about study methods, the sample, outcome assessment, and the influence/relationships investigated. : Thirty-five studies were included. Most studies used quantitative methods (= 28), and participants typically included children (i.e., aged 6-12; = 24) and adolescents (i.e., aged 13-18; = 18). The majority of studies examined siblings in the context of chronic and disease-related pain (= 30). Though quantitative studies primarily focused on the genetic influence of pain conditions (= 18), qualitative and mixed-methods studies typically focused on exploring the impact of siblings with and without pain on one another (= 2) and the impact of pain on the broader dyadic relationship/functioning (= 4). : Sibling research in pediatric pain has been primarily focused on the biological/physical components of pain, using quantitative approaches. Conducting more studies using qualitative or mixed-methods designs, incorporating multiple assessment measures (e.g., observational, self-report) and multiple perspectives (e.g., siblings, health professionals), may provide an opportunity to gain richer and more comprehensive information regarding the experience of siblings.