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Journal of Transcultural Nursing
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*Caregivers
*Dementia
*Family Issues
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The Meaning of Family Caregiving in Japan and the United States: A Qualitative Comparative Study

Margaret I. Wallhagen, PhD, RN, CS, GNP

University of California, San Francisco

Noriko Yamamoto-Mitani, PhD, GNP, RN

Chiba University

This study explores how cultural values affect the meaning and experiences of daughter (or daughter-in-law) caregivers of elderly persons with dementia by comparing caregivers in the United States and Japan. Nine American and seven Japanese caregivers were interviewed twice at 6-month intervals. Interviews were audiotaped and analyzed using constant-comparative techniques. Data suggest that moral obligation to care and intense loss are two universal themes of caregiving. However the experiences and perceptions of the role of caregivers from these two cultures differed in select ways that were captured within three categories: reasons for caregiving, caregiving as a career, and caregiving as a life phase or detour. Findings suggest that American caregivers may need greater anticipatory socialization regarding the caregiving role, whereas Japanese caregivers may benefit from assistance in accepting needed services.

Key Words: family caregiving • cross-cultural comparison • qualitative inquiry • Japan • United States

Journal of Transcultural Nursing, Vol. 17, No. 1, 65-73 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/1043659605281979
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