Relationship between filial obligation and caregiver depression among adult children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Aim: To explore the relationship between filial obligation and caregiver depression across cultures. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Twelve databases were reviewed for dissertations and peer-reviewed articles on filial obligation and caregiver depression among adult children, published before January 2020. In total, 476 titles and abstracts were retrieved. Final analysis included six studies; of these, four were included in the meta-analysis. Results: Fixed-effects model indicated that a stronger perception of filial obligation was associated with increased depressive symptoms among caregivers across cultures (β = 0.14, 95% CI [0.04, 0.24], p < 0.01, N = 394). However, a non-significant effect size in the correlation between these two variables was found in samples predominated by Caucasian and mixed-blood caregivers (r = 0.03, 95% CI [−0.03, 0.10], p > 0.05, N = 880). Therefore, caregivers' perceptions of filial obligation should be clinically assessed and normalised to reduce their depressive symptoms.