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KMID : 0379220100300010221
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Journal of Korea Gerontological Society
2010 Volume.30 No. 1 p.221 ~ p.240
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Perception and Help-Seeking Behavior among Older Persons: Six Hypothetical Elder Mistreatment Scenarios
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Yoon Hyun-Sook
Lee Hee-Yun
Kwon Jong-Hee
Yoon Ji-Young
Park Eun-Soo
Nam Ryun
Kang Sung-Bo
Park Keum-Hwa
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Abstract
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Despite a growing trend in elder mistreatment, research about the problem and its effects on the victims has been sparse. Notably missing are the perspectives of older adults themselves, whose perceptions and responses to elder mistreatment are greatly affected by social and cultural context. The purpose of this study is to examine factors associated with older persons’ perceptions of elder mistreatment and subsequent help-seeking behaviors. Six hypothetical scenarios featuring elders were the basis of interviews with 124 older persons, drawn by a quota sampling strategy. Findings indicated that older persons perceived situations of physical abuse (87.9%), financial abuse (86.3%), and psychological abuse (66.1%) to be elder mistreatment, yet respondents showed less sensitivity to elder mistreatment that took the form of physical mistreatment within a couple (47.6%), neglect (40.3%), and self-neglect (16.9%). Certain scenarios yielded less intention to seek help: namely, physical mistreatment within a couple, neglect, and self-neglect. Older persons’ personal characteristics, social factors, and cultural factors exerted significant influence on both perception and help-seeking behavior. Perception was identified as a key factor that significantly influenced help-seeking behavior. Findings point to awareness of cultural and social context for success in elder mistreatment prevention, intervention, and policy design for this population.
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KEYWORD
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Elder mistreatment, Help-Seeking Behavior, physical abuse, financial abuse, psychological abuse, self-neglect
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