Disappointed or Understood? The Effect of Filial Discrepancy on Life Satisfaction of Older Adults in Rural China

Filial discrepancy, the incongruence between older adults’ filial expectations and filial support received, has become increasingly pronounced amid demographic, cultural, economic, and intergenerational transitions in rural China, presenting psychological challenges for older adults. This study examines its effects on life satisfaction and the mediating role of filial evaluation. Using data from the eighth wave (2021) of the Longitudinal Study of Older Adults in Anhui ( N = 1,459), China, this study conducted OLS regressions and mediation analysis. Emotional filial piety is the most fulfilled, while instrumental filial piety shows the largest discrepancy. Both emotional and financial filial discrepancy negatively impact life satisfaction, with filial evaluation serving as a mediator. However, instrumental filial discrepancy does not significantly influence life satisfaction. The study underscores the enduring importance of family in old-age support while highlighting the need for policies that compensate for the weakening of instrumental filial piety through enhanced social support amid rapid social change.