Age, period, and cohort effects on the attitude toward supporting parents in Taiwan

Abstract

Purpose: Using the perspectives of age, period, and cohort (APC) effects, this study explored the changes in attitudes toward supporting parents in Taiwan. Design and Methods: Population-representative cross-sectional data taken at 1984, 1990, and 1995 from the Social Change Survey in Taiwan were synthesized. Cohort tables and multi-nominal logistic regression were used to analyze the APC effects. Results: Period and age effects were found in the change in attitudes toward supporting parents. Agreement on living with sons or children has slowly decreased. Younger persons agree more than older ones in attitudes toward parents living with their married son or children. There was a reduction in the differences among cohorts across periods. There was no demonstration of cohort effect in this study. Implications: The results indicate that for married children, living with parents is no longer popular in Taiwan society. Social policy should address the unmet needs of elderly people in assistance with daily living. © 2001 The Gerontological Society of America.