Method Matters: Comparing Cancer-Related Adjustment of Siblings to Norms and Well-matched Peers.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to better understand conflicting findings in the literature regarding the adjustment of siblings of children with cancer by examining, in a single sample, differences in patterns of results as a function of reporter and comparator used (i.e., population norms, demographically matched classmates). METHOD: Self- and parent-report standardized measures of depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems were collected for 67 siblings and 67 demographically matched classmates. Comparisons were made to norms and controls. RESULTS: Siblings consistently demonstrated poorer psychosocial functioning than their demographically matched peers across all measures but their scores did not differ from norms. A significantly greater percentage of siblings fell outside the normal range than that expected in the general population for parent-reported total and internalizing problems, but not for externalizing problems or the self-report measures. CONCLUSIONS: Findings regarding the psychological adjustment of siblings of children with cancer differ according to the research methods used. It is important to use rigorous methods such as demographically matched peer comparisons when investigating the impact of childhood cancer on siblings.

The social functioning of siblings of children with cancer: a multi-informant investigation.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined social functioning among siblings of children with cancer. METHOD: A case-control design was applied to school- and home-based data from multiple informants (peers, teachers, mothers, and self). Social reputation and peer acceptance within the classroom was compared for 87 siblings (aged 8-16 years) and 256 demographically matched peers. Self-perceptions of peer relationships and parent-reported social competence were examined among 67 siblings and 67 matched comparisons. RESULTS: Peer reports (N = 1,633) indicated no differences between siblings and comparisons for social reputation, number of friendships, reciprocated friendships, or peer acceptance. Self-reported prosocial behavior and teacher-reported likability were higher for siblings than comparisons. Self-reported loneliness, friendship quality, and perceived social support did not differ between groups. Mothers reported less involvement in activities and poorer school performance for siblings than comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: Peer relationships of siblings of children with cancer are similar to classmates, though they experience small decrements in activity participation and school performance.

Lifestyle interventions for youth who are overweight: a meta-analytic review.

OBJECTIVE: Clear evidence suggests that lifestyle interventions can be helpful in the treatment of youth who are overweight, but translational research is needed to address the gap between treatment research and clinical care. DESIGN: This meta-analysis integrated the results of 66 treatment-control comparisons and 59 alternate treatment comparisons evaluating lifestyle interventions for children and adolescents who were overweight. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Between-groups differences in weight-related outcomes and other health-related behaviors at the end of treatment. RESULTS: Lifestyle interventions were effective in a range of settings and with a range of participants. Even relatively brief programs had benefits apparent months after the end of treatment. A key component appeared to be the expectation that parents would be actively involved in treatment. Program benefits included not only better weight management but also better eating habits. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that lifestyle interventions can be effective under a wide range of conditions not limited to the highly controlled conditions of efficacy studies. Parent involvement is associated with significantly better results.