Conceptual model and map of psychological abuse of older adults

Authors:
CONRAD Kendon J., et al
Journal article citation:
Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 23(2), April 2011, pp.147-168.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA

Psychological abuse of older adults is a hidden and pervasive problem that includes verbal insults and threats, treating the older person like an infant, and isolating them from friends and family. Psychological abuse of older adults is currently not well conceptualised or well measured. The goal of this project was to conceptualise psychological abuse using 3-dimensional concept maps, and to use the concepts generated in this process to develop a theory that could guide measure development for screening and outcome assessment. Panels of local and national experts in the field of elder abuse and neglect and aging were brought together to generate 56 descriptive statements defining psychological abuse. These statements were sorted and rated using Concept Systems software whereby the concepts were depicted as a map. The concept map was comprised of 5 distinct clusters: isolation; insensitivity and disrespect; shaming and blaming; threats and intimidation; and trusted other risk factors. The concept maps guided development of theoretical hierarchies of psychological abuse that should help improve understanding of this type of elder abuse.

Subject terms:
models, older people, elder abuse, emotional abuse;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
United States
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1540-4129
ISSN print:
0894-6566

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