The Role of Collectivism in Willingness to Become a Caregiver: A Comparison of Ethnic Minorities to Whites

Horrific negative outcomes have been reported by caregivers and care recipients alike. However, research has found distinct ethnic group differences related to having a positive, or negative experience due to caregiving. Cultural factors may account for these differences. In particular, collectivist attitudes, which are defined as an orientation towards one’s community rather than self, may be at the heart of understanding ethnic group differences in caregiving. The current study assessed the differences in White and ethnic minorities orientation towards collectivism, and obligation to provide care for their parents. It was hypothesized that ethnic minorities would rate higher on collectivism and obligation to provide care to their parent, and collectivism would mediate the relationship between ethnicity and obligation to provide care. A total of N = 193 college students survey data, utilizing the Gaines and colleagues Collectivism scale, and Hamill and colleagues Willingness to Provide Care Scale were assessed. Results from a t-test support the hypothesis that ethnic minorities rated higher on collectivism, (t(193) = 1.98 p < .05) and obligation to provide care for their parents (t(193)= 2.88, p <.05). However, the mediated path analysis indicated that collectivism did not fully mediate the relationship between ethnicity and obligation to provide care (Sobel = 1.81, SE= .03, p > .05). Thus, variables such as ethnicity and cultural differences should be taken into account when determining how to better assist caregivers and care recipient.