Prevalence and psychological impact of Chinese elder abuse

Chau Wai Elsie Yan, Catherine So Kum Tang

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

119 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This study examined the prevalence of elder abuse of Chinese in Hong Kong and also assessed its impact on their psychological functioning. A total of 355 (120 males, 235 females) elderly Chinese residing in Hong Kong responded to a questionnaire administered individually. Results indicated prevalence rates of 2% for physical abuse and 20.8% for verbal abuse. These rates were higher than those reported by a telephone survey of similar respondents. Rates did not differ significantly for men and women. Data from the General Health Questionnaire showed that abused elders, as compared with nonabused elders, scored significantly higher on overall psychological distress. Abused participants were also significantly more dependent on their caregivers than nonabused participants. This difference did not, however, predict the level of psychological distress after accounting for physical abuse and verbal abuse.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1158-1174
Number of pages17
JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence
Volume16
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2001
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Applied Psychology

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