[A study of elder abuse in the domestic setting: coping strategies and the consequences of elder abuse]

The purpose of the study was to research how elder abuse affected the abuse results (self-esteem, depression, somatization) through coping strategies.

A convenient sample consisted of 499 subjects from 65 to 85 years old. Data was collected using structured questionnaires from July to August, 2002. The SPSS WIN 10.0 version was used for data analysis.

The pathway of elder abuse affecting elder's self-esteem was researched by passive coping, emotional abuse, financial abuse, and physical abuse as the variables that directly affected self-esteem. The pathway of elder abuse affecting elder's depression was researched by passive coping, aggressive coping, verbal abuse, and neglect as the variable that directly affected depression. The pathway of elder abuse affecting somatization was researched by neglect, emotional abuse, and aggressive coping as the variables that directly affected somatization.

We should develop a systematized intervention program so that elders can learn positive coping in their abuse circumstance.