• Cynthia A Gerhardt, Diane L Fairclough, Julie C Grossenbacher, Maru Barrera, Mary Jo Gilmer, Terrah L Foster, Bruce E Compas, Betty Davies, Nancy S Hogan, and Kathryn Vannatta.
• The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Center for Biobehavioral Health, Rm. JW4992, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205-2696, USA. cynthia.gerhardt@nationwidechildrens.org
• J Pediatr Psychol. 2012 Mar 1;37(2):209-19.

ObjectivesTo compare peer relationships among bereaved siblings and matched classmates, and to examine gender, grade level, and time since death as moderators.MethodsFamilies were recruited from cancer registries at four hospitals 3-12 months after a child's death. Measures of social behavior and peer acceptance were completed by children in the classrooms of 105 bereaved siblings (ages 8-17 years). Teachers also reported on children's social behavior. Three classmates were matched for gender, race, and age to each bereaved sibling to form a comparison group (n = 311).ResultsTeachers reported bereaved siblings were more prosocial than comparison classmates. Peers perceived bereaved boys as more sensitive-isolated and victimized, while bereaved siblings in elementary grades were perceived by peers as less prosocial, more sensitive-isolated, less accepted, and as having fewer friends. Peers and teachers viewed bereaved siblings in middle/high school grades as higher on leadership-popularity.ConclusionsBereaved siblings who were male and in elementary grades were more vulnerable to social difficulties, while those in middle/high school may exhibit some strengths. Ongoing research to inform the development of interventions for bereaved siblings is warranted.

17 keywords...

hide…