The Relationship Between Mutuality, Filial Piety, and Depression in Family Caregivers in China

Purpose. Caregiving to parent stroke survivors in China is increasing and adult child-parent relationships are being challenged. The purpose of this study was to explore whether mutuality and filial piety have a protective role against caregiver depression. Design. A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted with a nonproportional quota sample of 126 caregivers. Surveys were conducted at hospitals or in homes using structured questionnaires: the 15-item Mutuality Scale, the 4-item Filial Attitude Scale, the 9-item Filial Behavior Scale, and the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Results. Higher mutuality and stronger filial attitudes were significantly associated with less caregiver depression after the covariates were controlled. Mutuality explained 5.5% (p < .01) and filial attitude explained 4.6% (p < .01) of the variance in caregiver depression. Conclusion. Mutuality and filial attitude may be protective factors against caregiver depression. Implications for Practice. Supportive strategies can be implemented to enhance mutuality and filial attitude.