Familism and Well-Being Across 48 Countries

Introduction: Familism varies across cultures, with some societies placing greater emphasis on family ties and obligations than others. Despite its variability, the precise impact of familism on psychosocial functioning remains inconclusive and requires further exploration to clarify its effects in different cultural contexts. Understanding the role of familism in a cross-cultural context can help health care providers enhance patient care by considering familial influences on mental health and well-being. Method: This study used World Values Survey data (Wave 7) to investigate familism's effects on psychological well-being, physical well-being, and life satisfaction across 48 countries. Hierarchical linear models were employed to analyze data from 69,578 adult participants (52.4% female, Mage = 42.59, SD = 16.28). The study examined the relationship between familism and well-being outcomes, with consideration of urbanization and individualism as moderators. Results: Findings revealed a positive association between familism and well-being outcomes, indicating potential universality in this relationship across cultures. Urbanization and individualism did not significantly influence the relationship between familism and well-being, suggesting its stability across different societal contexts. Discussion: These results suggest that familism may have universal benefits for well-being, as it fosters connections within families, providing individuals with a sense of purpose and meaning in life. This is particularly significant in the contemporary context of shrinking household sizes, epidemic of loneliness, and increasing social isolation. Integrating insights on familism can help health care providers better support patients and improve mental health and well-being.