Abstract

HONICKY, Marilise  and  GALVAO, Iolanda de Assis. Leukemia in childhood and adolescence: psychosocial repercussion on healthy siblings, from a mother’s perspective . Psicol. rev. (Belo Horizonte) [online]. 2020, vol.26, n.2, pp. 660-679. ISSN 1677-1168.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5752/P.1678-9563.2020v26n2p660-679.

TThe process of illness, treatment, and hospitalizations after the diagnosis of child-adolescent cancer may cause emotional impact, as well as influence the dynamics and routine of the entire family. Given this scenario, the research aimed to comprehend the possible changes in the relationships of healthy siblings, in the family, social, and school context, under the mother's perspective. The sample consisted of 15 mothers of children and adolescents diagnosed with leukemia, with at least one healthy child. The data were collected through a semi-structured interview and, based on the theory of Content Analysis, proposed by Bardin (1977), four categories were found: repercussions of illness, family relations, social relations, and academic life. It was possible to observe that the healthy siblings experience, in a singular way, the sibling’s illness with leukemia. They presented plenty of ways of reacting and relating with each other. Mostly, they isolated themselves, approached, revolted, or demonstrated fragility in interpersonal exchanges, triggering a call for help and attention.

Keywords : Neoplasm; Healthy siblings; Relationship; Psychology; Leukemia.

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