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Verbal mistreatment of the elderly
Terry Fulmer1, Rachel F Rodgers, Allison Pelger
1a Bouve College of Health Sciences , Northeastern University , Boston , Massachusetts , USA.
Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect
|June 10, 2014
Summary
Verbal mistreatment significantly impacts elderly adults, negatively affecting their social functioning, mental health, and role limitations. This study highlights the prevalence of elder mistreatment in older populations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- The aging population increases the risk of elder mistreatment.
- Understanding the link between specific mistreatment types and quality of life is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between verbal mistreatment in older adults and their quality of life.
- To examine the relationship between verbal mistreatment and depression in the elderly.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 142 adults aged 65+ was recruited from medical and dental practices.
- Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, depression levels, and reported verbal mistreatment.
- Statistical analyses controlled for confounding factors to assess predictors of quality of life.
Main Results:
- 38% of the elderly sample reported experiencing verbal mistreatment.
- Verbal mistreatment was a significant predictor of reduced social functioning (r = -.28) and poorer mental health (r = -.25).
- Elder mistreatment was associated with increased role limitations (OR = 3.02).
Conclusions:
- Verbal mistreatment is prevalent among older adults.
- This form of elder mistreatment negatively affects key aspects of quality of life.
- Findings underscore the need for interventions addressing verbal mistreatment in the elderly population.