Multiple Social Roles and Role Transference: Lessons Learned from a Chinese American Family Caregiver.

Abstract

According to the International Alliance of Carer Organizations (2018), as the older adult population has increased, unpaid and family caregiving has become more common across all racial and ethnic groups in the United States and globally. Chinese American family caregivers who are influenced by the value of a familial piety might have a more complex experience on family caregiving (Cheng, Lam, Kwok, Ng, & Fung, 2013; Chien, Chan, & Morrissey, 2007; Tang, 2011; Wang, Shyu, Chen, & Yang, 2011). The call for social workers’ using culturally sensitive approaches to better assist Chinese American family caregivers has been long-standing (Chan & Chui, 2011; Lai, 2010). In my previous study, the culturally sensitive life story approach was examined and found effective in reducing Chinese American caregivers’ stress (Lun, 2019). During the research study, I collaborated with an elder Chinese American family caregiver using an interview process to help her narrate and construct meaning of her caregiving life story. Her life story provides insights on social role change and adaption. These insights help social workers obtain an in-depth understanding on the complexity of family caregiving.