The association between filial piety and loneliness among Chinese older adults in the greater Chicago area

Abstract

Background: Loneliness is an important health indicator for psychological well-being. This study aims to examine the association between filial piety and loneliness among Chinese older adults in the U.S.

Methods: Data were drawn from the PINE study, a population-based study of 3,159 Chinese older adults aged 60 and above in the greater Chicago area. Severity of loneliness was the dependent variable. Independent variables were the expectation and perceived receipt of filial piety, examined in six domains. Negative Binomial Regression analyses were conducted.

Results: Lower levels of perceived filial piety receipt were associated with greater severity of loneliness (Ratio of Expected Severity: 0.92, 0.91-0.94) after adjusting for socio-demographics and medical co-morbidities. Expectation of filial piety was not associated with severity of loneliness.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate higher perceived receipt of filial piety may protect older adults from loneliness. Our study suggests that cultural sensitivity need to be considered in the detection and intervention of loneliness.