Measures and Dimensions of Filial Piety in Korea

Using survey data on 1,227 adult and pre-adult children in Korea, we identified some specific measures and dimensions of filial piety, a traditional East Asian value to respect and care for parents. Factor analysis and cross-validation of measures of affection, repayment, family harmony, respect, obligation, and sacrifice revealed two important factors--behaviorally oriented and emotionally oriented filial piety. These findings suggest that filial piety is two-dimensional, and that multiple indicators should be used to separately assess the behavioral and emotional components of modern-day filial piety.