Undue influence and elder abuse: recognition and intervention strategies

Area of Science:

• Legal Studies
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Undue influence involves substituting one person's will for another's true desires.
• It differs from persuasion, often involving fraud, duress, or deceit.
• Exploitation of trust, dependency, or fear for psychological control, typically for financial gain, defines this influence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define and explore the concept of undue influence.
• To examine the psychological mechanisms and legal implications of undue influence.
• To understand the intersection of legal concepts, domestic violence (elder abuse), and psychological processes in undue influence.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of legal definitions and psychological theories.
• Review of literature on domestic violence, elder abuse, and neglect.
• Synthesis of psychological processes related to exploitation and control.

Main Results:

• Undue influence targets vulnerable individuals but can affect anyone.
• It is characterized by the exploitation of psychological vulnerabilities for control.
• The phenomenon is increasingly recognized at the intersection of law, psychology, and social issues.

Conclusions:

• Undue influence is a complex issue requiring interdisciplinary understanding.
• Legal and psychological frameworks are crucial for identifying and addressing undue influence.
• Awareness and research, particularly concerning elder abuse, are vital to combatting this form of exploitation.