A Meta-Analysis of Psychosocial Interventions for Siblings of Youth with Chronic Medical Conditions

Abstract

Siblings of youth with chronic medical conditions may be at risk for psychological adjustment concerns, and interventions targeting the psychosocial needs of siblings are important to address. The purpose of the current study was to conduct a meta-analysis examining psychological interventions for siblings of youth living with chronic illnesses, with specific attention to improving their adjustment and distress. To identify articles that met inclusion criteria, literature searches were conducted using several search engines including PsycINFO, PubMed, ERIC, and ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source. Fifteen articles across 14 studies (826 participants) were included within the current review; studies included treatment and comparison group as well as pre-test post-test designs. Study characteristics were coded and risk of bias was assessed. Interventions primarily targeted siblings of youth diagnosed with cancer. Overall, findings from the current meta-analysis revealed aggregate effect sizes that were small but significant for both distress (g = 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.32, 0.67]) and adjustment (g = 0.23; 95% CI [0.10, 0.36]).However, findings should be viewed cautiously in light of several limitations including small sample sizes, less rigorous study methodologies (e.g., pre-test post-test designs), and potential high risk of bias. The current meta-analysis elucidates the need for further sibling intervention development, including randomized controlled trials as well as larger and more diverse samples.