Poster Presentation
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
2:45 PM - 3:30 PM
Ethical Dimensions Related to Filial Caregiving
Ellen F. McCarty, PhD, APRN, BC, Department of Nursing, Salve Regina University, Newport, RI, USA, Constance S. Hendricks, PhD, RN, School of Nursing, Hampton University, Hampton, VA, USA, Denisha L. Hendricks, EdD, Physical Education, Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, NC, USA, Kathleen M. McCarty, SD, MPH, Medical School Epidemiology & Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA, and Patrick D. McCarty, DDS, Dental Group, Salida Surgery Center Dental Group, Salida, CA, USA.
| Learning Objective #1: identify the adult child's ethical perspective related to assuming the filial caregiver role. |
| Learning Objective #2: discuss contextual family issues that are interwoven with the adult child's ethical perspective and filial caregiving decision process. |
Aims: Family caregiving for elder frail relatives has become a normative experience. While much as been written about family caregiving stress, little has been said regarding ethical dimensions of filial responsibility for older family members and their perception of moral demands. Therefore, the aims of this study were to explore the adult child’s : 1. Negotiation style, perceptions of the past parent identity, and prior filial relationship; 2. Ethical convictions relative to the caregiving role image;
and 3. Expectations relative to caregiving circumstances and goals.
Method: Using an interview technique, the grounded theory method, and the Caregiver Appraisal Scale (Gesino & Haas, 2000), a triangulated research design was used to analyze the filial caregiving decision – making process among nine culturally diverse adult children..
Findings: The following categories have emerged from the analysis of interview data:
1. “Choice” and “opportunity”; Positive filial relationship;
2. “Without a choice”: Neutral or “darker side” filial relationship;
3. “One last chance to be well regarded”: Conflictual filial relationship; and
4. Values and Perceptions: Negotiation and decision – making.
Discussion: This research contributes to the understanding of adult children’s’ acceptance of filial obligations and the reasons by which they persuade themselves to provide care. This study expands the awareness of the interrelationship between the nature of the prior filial relationship, ethical views that underscore their acceptance of filial obligations, and negotiation styles. By uncovering the adult child’s sense of rightful filial obligation demands, facilitation of contextual decision - making
and setting morally appropriate boundaries may be enhanced – affecting caregiver stress.