Voices from the Margin of the Family

Abstract

Chronic childhood illnesses such as cancer create enormous stress for all family members. Siblings of ill children often are overlooked, both in the psychosocial literature and in normal medical, social service, and family practices. This article reports the views and experiences of a small sample of siblings of children with cancer gathered during open-ended interviews. A qualitative analysis presents and conceplualizcs the voices and experiences of three young people themselves. Constant worry about their ill brother or sister, reactions to differential treatment and lack of attention, and a commitment to "take care of" other family members emerge as major themes. The siblings' comments indicated some positive changes in family life and in their own maturity. The authors offer suggestions for making more informed and compassionate responses to the situations of young cancer patients' siblings.