A qualitative study on the experience of sense of debt among family caregivers of adolescents with depression under the Confucian family view
10.12026/j.issn.1001-8565.2025.10.07
- VernacularTitle:儒家家庭观下抑郁症青少年家庭照护者亏欠感体验的质性研究
- Author:
Yancheng JIN
1
;
Rui DENG
2
Author Information
1. Academy of Medical Sciences， Shanxi Medical University， Taiyuan 030001， China
2. School of Humanities and Social Sciences， Shanxi Medical University， Taiyuan 030001， China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
adolescent;
depression;
family caregiver;
Confucian family view;
sense of debt
- From:
Chinese Medical Ethics
2025;38(10):1275-1283
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
ObjectiveTo explore the experience of sense of debt among family caregivers of adolescents with depression， and to conduct a cultural interpretation on the underlying reasons behind the sense of debt from the perspective of the Confucian family view. MethodsA semi-structured interview was conducted on 29 parents （family caregivers） of adolescents with depression regarding the sense of debt they experienced during their caregiving process. The interview data were organized using NVivo 12 software. ResultsThree first-level themes were extracted： dilemma of debt and self-blame， conflict and pressure， as well as seeking compensation. Under the theme of“the dilemma of debt and self-blame”， there are four sub-themes： insufficient companionship， control in the name of love， powerlessness， and venting outlets. Under the theme of“contradictions and pressures”， there are three sub-themes： conflicts between work and family， divergences among family members， and pressures from social evaluations. Under the theme of“seeking compensation”， there are three sub-themes： material satisfaction， taking leave or resigning from work， and changing family education methods. ConclusionThe sense of debt is a specific psychological experience under the Confucian cultural background. The responsibilities and obligations among members in traditional families are the deep reasons for the sense of debt. As a conscious moral constraint， debt has certain positive significance in maintaining member relationships and family life.
