School support for siblings of patients with cancer.

Abstract

This research project investigated the importance of school-based support structures for siblings of patients diagnosed with and treated for cancer. These brothers and sisters have a range of emotional, social, academic, and physical support needs that tend to be overshadowed by the focus on the patient and parents/caregivers. Sibling members of CanTeen New Zealand (an organisation which supports young people living with cancer and their siblings) participated in a nationwide online survey followed by a focus-group session in Auckland, both exploring siblings' cancer journeys and their perceptions of school-based support. The research highlighted the disruption to siblings' everyday lives; the potential of school counsellors to provide support and coordinate its provision by others for this population; and the need for home-school partnerships. This research can provide valuable insight for staff in schools where students are living in families affected by cancer, and can act as a guide for how best to support the needs of this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of New Zealand Journal of Counselling is the property of New Zealand Association of Counsellors and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)