Filipino Americans: Family vs. Individual

Filipino Americans, the second largest Asian group in America, hold family as a high priority in their daily lives (McBride, n.d.); therefore, one cultural feature is that of strong interdependence and togetherness. Traditional Filipino families consider the family elders to be of great importance, and the younger members are taught that caring for the elders is their responsibility (McBride). “It is always relational, hierarchical, and given this group of communal culture, the word ‘independence’ really makes little sense. Interdependence is more of the optimal cultural expectation and value”. Though every culture is different, the emphasis is on the family in the majority of Asian cultures (Gonsiorek, 2006).

“Many contemporary Filipino American families continue to function in a complex process of a natural support system of reciprocity within interdependent/dependent relationships based on extended family membership, group harmony and loyalty, respect for elders and authority, and kinship that goes beyond strong biological connections” (McBride). Because of the strong family ties most traditional Filipino families hold, counseling in the Western world can be very difficult and unsuccessful. To begin with, counseling in the United States focuses greatly on independence and individualism; whereas most Asian cultures, including the Filipinos, have a group and family orientation (Sue and Sue, 2003). To make things even more difficult, one must determine the depth of assimilation, family experiences, etc. before making an assumption this is true. Even a family that has been in the United States for many generations may have passed on their traditional Filipino values from generation to generation (McBride).

Often, not only is family of more importance in Filipino culture, but also the structure is very different. Many families are multigenerational and members of the family are responsible for making decisions for the elders, as well doing everything in their power to fix the problem before seeking formal medical care (McBride). There is a general wariness in the Filipino culture towards “external forces” and adult members in the household may impede professional treatment because they are trying to protect their elders. When Filipinos choose to immigrant at an older age, they often do not speak English well and are unable to easily adapt to modern technology. Adult children are expected to fulfill these roles for the elder (McBride). A counselor can not automatically assume these things to be true of a Filipino individual though, because elders very acculturated to US customs may make their own appointments. This alone is one of the difficulties of multicultural counseling- trying to determine if an individual’s values are similar to the dominant culture or towards their group’s traditional culture.

When counseling Filipino families, I would have to ensure I respected the hierarchy of the family. I would need to greet the oldest family member first. Most often individuals are designated as the decision makers for an elder, or the family makes a decision as a whole. I would need to ask questions such as, “Who should I talk to who can help with making decisions about your treatment in the future?” (McBride); rather than putting the responsibility of treatment on the client in need.

Also, addressing a Filipino member by their first name may be viewed as derogatory, especially if the age difference is much greater for the Filipino (McBride). Talking about my own children or family could put the Filipinos at ease. Asking the younger member if an elder needed an interpreter or automatically providing one could be viewed an as insult. Many Filipino elders are very proud of their ability to speak English. In addition, keeping eye contact, using discretion involving touch, and using a firm handshake are all additional ways to form a good relationship with the Filipino client (McBride).

There are many ways in which the traditional Filipino culture differs from Western culture. Counselors must be aware of these potential differences. Though difficult, this is the only way to keep the client coming back. One the most important things to remember and focus on is the family structure. Learning to counsel an entire family opposed to an individual can be challenging, but Western counselors must learn to respect the core Filipino value kapwa, or “shared identity, interacting on an equal basis with a fellow human being” (McBride).

Gonsiorek, John. (2006). Interview with Dr. Gock. Asian Pacific Communities. Retrieved on August 6, 2006, from http://courseroom.capella.edu

McBride, Melen. (n.d.). Health and Health Care of Filipino American Elders. Standford Geriatric Education Center. Stanford University School of Medicine. Retrieved August 5, 2006 from http:// www.stanford.edu/group/ethnoger/filipino.html

Sue, D.W. & Sue, D. (2003). Counseling the Culturally Diverse Theory and Practice (4th Ed.). NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.