Intergenerational Solidarity and Being Primary Caregiver for Older Parents in Chinese American Families: Findings From PIETY Study

Abstract

Introduction: Guided by the intergenerational solidarity theory, this study examined how different dimension of intergenerational solidarity of adult children associated with their choice of being a primary caregiver for aging parents in the Chinese American families. Methodology: Secondary data from PIETY study were used. Logistic regressions were conducted to examine the relationships between each dimension of intergenerational solidarity and the likelihood of being a primary caregiver to mother or father. Results: Associational solidarity (odds ratio [ OR] = 1.31, for father, OR = 1.27, for mother), normative solidarity ( OR = 1.06, for both father and mother), and structural solidarity ( OR = 0.95, for father, OR = 0.64, for mother) were significant associates of high chances of being primary caregivers for older parents. Discussion: Results from this study confirmed the importance of cultural construct of solidarity in caregiving choice. Practice implications for health care professionals, in particular the nurses were discussed.