Abstract
This research aims to examine whether unmet filial expectation was associated with higher risk of suicidal ideation (SI) among US Chinese oler adults. Data was drawn from The PINE Study, a population-based study of 3,157 community-dwelling Chinese older adults in the greater Chicago area. Filial piety was assessed by two dimensions (filial expectation and filial receipt) and six domains (care, respect, greet, make happy, obey, and financial support). Filial discrepancy was using filial expectation minus receipt. Suicidal ideation in the past two weeks and in the past 12 months were measured by the ninth question of the PHQ-9 and GMS-A, respectively. Logistic regression was used. After controlling age, gender, education, income, marital status, number of children, years in the US, medical comorbidities, and depressive symptoms, higher filial expectation than receipt was associated with increased risk of 2-week (OR, 1.06 [1.02–1.09]) and 12-month (OR, 1.06 [1.03–1.09]) suicidal ideation. In addition, higher expectation than receipt in care (2-week SI: OR, 1.20 [1.05–1.38]; 12-month SI: OR, 1.23 [1.09–1.39]), respect (2-week SI: OR, 1.22 [1.04–1.43]; 12-month SI: OR, 1.27 [1.10–1.46]), greet (2-week SI: OR, 1.19 [1.02–1.38]; 12-month SI: OR, 1.21 [1.06–1.38]), make happy (2-week SI: OR, 1.25 [1.06–1.47]; 12-month SI: OR, 1.21 [1.05–1.39]), obey (2-week SI: OR, 1.30 [1.11–1.53]; 12-month SI: OR, 1.28 [1.11–1.47]) and financial support (2-week SI: OR, 1.22 [1.03–1.44]; 12-month SI: OR, 1.18 [1.02–1.36]) was associated higher risk of suicidal ideation. Community services are suggested to enhance intergenerational communications and decrease filial discrepancy for US Chinese older adults.