Feasibility of Group Intervention for Bereaved Siblings after Pediatric Cancer Death

Abstract

This study evaluated the feasibility (acceptability, recruitment, retention rates, treatment fidelity and outcomes measures) of implementing a manualized group intervention for bereaved siblings after pediatric cancer death. A convenience sample of 10 siblings participated. The intervention consisted of eight 2-hour sessions that focused on strategies for coping with grief, relationships, and emotional growth. Positive outcomes were obtained with respect to acceptability, recruitment, retention rates, and treatment fidelity. Preliminary outcomes were mixed. Parent pre- and post-intervention outcomes suggested improvements in siblings’ overall, emotional and social quality of life. Siblings’ self-reports reflected no improvements. These data support the feasibility of conducting this intervention and suggest beneficial outcomes, based on parental reports. Further research is recommended to evaluate the group intervention efficacy with a large sample using a randomized control trial to address the needs of bereaved siblings.