Fostering resilience in siblings of youths with a chronic health condition: A review of the literature

An accumulating body of literature points to the potential for successful outcomes among families who have a child with a chronic health condition. Resilience research has catalyzed a reconceptualization of the experience of such families from a deficit, pathological perspective to a growth-enhancing opportunity. However, scant data available about the specific risk and protective mechanisms influencing the psychosocial outcomes of well siblings in these families are lacking. This article draws on the literature addressing resilience in youths experiencing adversity to inform social workers about how to better promote positive outcomes among well siblings. Implications for future research and suggestions for social work practice to target the unique needs of well siblings are discussed.