NCJ Number
116680
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: (1989) Pages: 65-73
Date Published
1989
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This paper analyzes data from a random sample survey on elder abuse and neglect to examine psychological consequences of such victimization.
Abstract
Between September 1985 and February 1986, a stratified, random sample survey was conducted in the Boston metropolitan area to obtain information about conflict and abuse in families of the elderly. The study design consisted of two stages. The screening stage, which identified whether the respondent was a victim of mistreatment, yielded a sample of 2,020 respondents. The followup stage involved interviews with individuals identified as abuse victims and with a group of nonabused control cases. Of 61 abuse or neglect victims, followup interviews were completed with 46 persons. A total of 215 controls agreed to be reinterviewed, out of 251 persons designated to participate. In the followup sample, 65 percent were female, 60 percent were between 65 and 74 years of age and 40 percent were 75 or over, and 62 percent had household incomes below $15,000 yearly. Multiple regression analysis of physical abuse, neglect, and chronic verbal aggression variables proved a relationship between victimization and depression. Persons who were mistreated had much higher levels of depression, even when controlling for health, age, gender, and marital status. Attention to the mental health needs of elder abuse victims, and therapeutic interventions to reduce depression, should be critical components of the intervention process. 23 references, 1 table. (Author abstract modified)