Attitudes towards filial responsibility in a traditional vs. modern culture: A comparison between three generations of Arabs in the Israeli society

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate possible differences in the attitudes towards filial responsibility and perceptions of selfefficacy among members of three generations of Arab families living in Israel. Method: The research participants were 74 Arab students, their parents, and their grandparents. Research instruments consisted of a self-report demographic questionnaire, a questionnaire about attitudes regarding filial responsibility, and a questionnaire assessing self-efficacy and sense of mastery. The subjects were asked to answer the question: "What are the best three things a son or a daughter can do for their elderly parent?" Only members from the youngest generation's answers involved advancing technology/instrumental tools (long distance relations using Skype program, mobile phones etc.). Results & Discussion: As shown in Table 1, the attitudes toward and perceptions of filial responsibility were the most positive among the youngest generation 1 (undergraduate students, p<0.001). t Tests demonstrated that women's attitudes towards and perceptions of filial responsibility were more positive than those of men. Members of the middle generation reported higher levels of sense of mastery (p<0.05) than did members of the other generations. A significant and strong positive correlation was found between positive attitudes towards filial responsibility and participants' degree of religiosity 2, and a significant correlation of medium strength was found between perception of self efficacy and participants' report of subjective health. Technology is one of the most useful ways to keep the intergenerational relationships strong. Attitudes toward filial responsibility may have a significant impact on the motivation of purchase and use of gerontechnology products and services.