Predicting elder mistreatment through relational and social factors: a social-ecological model approach

Elder mistreatment is a significant public health concern shaped by both relational and social factors. Drawing on Bronfenbrenner's ecological model and Socioemotional Selectivity Theory (SST), this study analyzed data from waves 1 and 3 of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project with 1,219 older adults without experience mistreatment. at wave 1. Logistic regression models assessed the associations between relationship quality with close others (i.e. spouse/partner, family, and friends; characterized as strained or supportive) and social factors (i.e. social engagement, loneliness) at wave 1 and subsequent mistreatment assessed at wave 3 across physical, psychological, and financial abuse. Findings showed that while social engagement was not significantly associated with mistreatment, relationship strain was positively associated with all type of mistreatment, and supportive support was associated with psychological mistreatment. Loneliness was initially associated with lower likelihood of mistreatment, though this association was weakened when accounting for relationship quality. These highlight relationship quality as a key factor in mistreatment risk, suggesting interventions should prioritize interpersonal dynamics alongside broader social engagement.