Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | Evaluation of the project “Strong siblings!” - Support for healthy siblings of chronically ill children and adolescents |
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| Contribution code | D1.158 |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
Aim: Growing up with a chronically ill sibling can be challenging and stressful for healthy siblings. If this adaptation is not successful, this can lead to stress and even psychological problems in the sense of internalizing and externalizing problems. The “Strong Siblings!” project includes the prevention programs “Supporting Siblings” and GeschwisterTREFF” and aims to support healthy siblings. Aim of this study is to test the effectiveness of the programs. Method: Both prevention programs were offered at various locations between 2020 and 2023. Resources, coping, quality of life (QoL) as well as strengths and difficulties (SD) were recorded (self-report) at the beginning, at the end and 12 weeks after the intervention. Results: A total of 148 families took part in the “Strong siblings!” project. The healthy siblings were 10.6 (± 2.6) years old; 70% were female. 109 healthy siblings took part in prevention programs (intervention group, IG). There were differences between IG and control group (CG) at the first measurement time point with regard to QoL; IG had a higher mean value (t(61) = 3.78, p < .001, d = 0.69). At follow-up measurement, IG showed higher mean values compared to CG with regard to QoL (t(53) = 2.29, p < .026, d = 0.71) and resource (t(53) = 2.080, p < .042, d = 0.63). In the IG, there was a reduction in the SD total problem score from the first to the second measurement time point (t(27) = 2.823, p < .004, d = 0.53). Between the first measurement point and follow-up, the results were more clearly in the expected direction. Improvements were observed on the scales SD total problem score (t(22) = 3.619, p < .001, d = 0.60), resources (t(41) = -3.036, p < .002, d = -0.47), QoL (t(42) = -2. 093, p < .021, d = -0.32), Negative coping (t(45) = 1.883, p < .033, d = -0.28) and Emotion-regulating coping (t(44) = 1.701, p < .048, d = -0.25). Conclusion: The “Strong Siblings!” project shows positive effects overall, especially at the third measurement point. It can be assumed that the two prevention programs are effective and should therefore be offered to siblings of chronically ill children/ adolescents. |