FILIAL PIETY IN CHINESE CANADIAN FAMILY CAREGIVERS

In view of the increase of the aging population, the role of family and friends in providing care and support to the older adults has become essential. Research has noted that a sense of obligation is the key motivating force behind the motives of family caregiving. In culturally diverse societies, the conceptualization of a sense of obligation may take various forms and meanings. Despite the increase of a culturally diverse population in North America, little research has been done to examine filial obligation of family caregivers in ethnic minority groups. In this study, we examine the beliefs associated with filial obligation in Chinese-Canadian family caregivers who provide care to their older family members or relatives. A random sample of 339 Chinese-Canadian caregivers for elderly relatives completed a telephone survey. The traditional cultural values of filial piety continue to exist among the Chinese family caregivers in Canada. Filial piety is a two-factor construct consists of providing care and obedience. Results of hierarchical stepwise multiple regression analysis reported that education, religion, and being a primary caregiver are significant correlates of filial piety. The findings indicate the impact of westernization and acculturation on the traditional values and beliefs of Chinese-Canadian caregivers.