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Elder mistreatment and emotional symptoms among older adults in a largely rural population: the South Carolina Elder Mistreatment Study
- Authors:
- BEGLE Angela M., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 26(11), July 2011, pp.2321-2332.
- Publisher:
- Sage
This study aimed to examine the relationship between elder mistreatment and emotional problems such as anxiety and depression in a population where rural residency is overrepresented. Rural-residing older adults appear to experience risk factors that may increase the likelihood of mistreatment and psychological health problems and are also likely to be underserved in terms of mental health services. The study participants were 902 older adults aged 60 or more residing in South Carolina. The participants were interviewed using standardised computer-assisted telephone interviewing procedures in order to investigate their emotional health and potential correlates of mistreatment. Negative emotional symptoms were reported by 18.7% of the participants. The results demonstrate that emotional, but not physical, abuse is significantly correlated with higher levels of emotional symptoms. This relationship is sustained when controlling for established demographic and social/dependency risk factors. The results highlight the seriousness of this type of abuse. Implications for intervention and prevention programmes are considered.