NCJ Number
214342
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Dated: 2005 Pages: 45-61
Date Published
2005
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study examined the prevalence of and factors related to mistreatment among 400 elderly individuals (65 years old and older) living in Chennai, India.
Abstract
Elder mistreatment--defined for the purpose of this study as "a single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distrust to an older person"--was found to have occurred to 14 percent of the sample. The authors conclude that the mistreatment of older adults is prevalent in India, presenting an urgent need for more studies that can guide effective intervention for these victims. Chronic verbal abuse was the most common type of mistreatment, followed by financial abuse, and physical abuse and neglect (similar rates). Half of those who had been mistreated experienced more than one type of mistreatment. With the exception of financial abuse, a significantly greater number of women experienced verbal and physical abuse as well as neglect compared to men. Perpetrators of mistreatment were adult children, daughters-in-law, spouses, and sons-in-law. Victims tended to be more depressed and less satisfied with life than those elderly individuals who were not mistreated. The 400 elderly individuals in this study were randomly selected from the electoral list of older adults in the study area. The data-collection instruments measured sociodemographic variables, mental status, types of abuse/neglect experienced, social support, depression, disability/health, and life satisfaction. 6 tables and 46 references