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(Colour online) A power-based model of elder abuse and neglect: a communication approach. Note: The textboxes in blue (i.e., internal and external factors) are not variables; they are to indicate the sources of the variables below. The internal factors refer to the variables internal to the caregiver/abuser. The external factors refer to the influence from the elderly care receiver/victim that function to increase the likelihood of the abuse. Hence, it is not part of the causal relationship, but an external factor. The abuser's power-based schema and the victim's non-accommodative behaviors are two mediating factors in this model.
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ABSTRACT To further address the potential factors that lead up to elder abuse in domestic settings, this paper proposes a model from a communication approach to explain dyadic influences between the family caregiver and the elderly care receiver that give rise to the abuse. That is, dysfunctional communication between the caregivers and care receiv...
Context in source publication
Context 1
... the Bugental et al. (1984) model, this power- based communication model considers factors of both abuser and victim that may contribute to abuse. Our model depicts relationships among background characteristics of the abuser, two mediating factors -the abuser's cognitive appraisal, and the victim's communicative behaviors -and two outcome variables -forms of the abuse and the elderly victim's felt incompetence (see Figure 2). ...
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Citations
... It discovered that Chinese-American older people with unobligated, ambivalent, separated, and commanding conflicted family types were more likely to encounter elder abuse. Based on a power-oriented communication model, Lin and Giles (39) discovered that dysfunctional communication between the caregivers and care receivers may increase the chance of elder abuse. Therefore, there is a strong correlation between FACES and psychological abuse, and subsequent studies cannot overlook the function of family on elder abuse. ...
Background
As the population ages, the subject of elder abuse has become more prominent, with psychological abuse of older people being particularly prevalent. This leads to a higher incidence of anxiety, depression, and other psychological problems among older people, reducing their quality of life, and even jeopardizing their safety.
Methods
A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate psychological abuse among home-dwelling older people in Northern China and its influencing factors. Participants were surveyed using a demographic questionnaire, activities of daily living (ADL), family adaptability and cohesion evaluation scale (FACES), and elder psychological abuse scale. The factors impacting psychological abuse were examined using binary logistic regression.
Results
A total of 465 home-dwelling older people participated in the study, with an effective response rate of 97.89%. The median item score of psychological abuse was 20 (IQR: 18–22), activities of daily living was 15 (IQR: 14–17), and family adaptability and cohesion was 96 (IQR: 86–105). Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that the factors affecting psychological abuse among home-dwelling older people were residence in rural areas (OR = 3.487, 95% CI = 2.121–5.732), monthly income ≥ 3,501 (OR = 0.342, 95% CI = 0.119–0.987), had chronic diseases (OR = 2.202, 95% CI = 1.356–3.576), and FACES (OR = 0.955, 95% CI = 0.936–0.974) were the factors that influenced the prevalence of psychological abuse.
Conclusion
In Northern China, the level of psychological abuse among older people is low. It is associated with residence, monthly income, chronic diseases, and family adaptability and cohesion. Further studies are required to understand the underlying causes and develop effective interventions to reduce psychological abuse and ensure a comfortable old life for older Chinese people.
... Следует иметь в виду, что иногда семейные отношения могут быть негармоничными (van Gaalen, Dykstra 2006) и даже наносящими вред(Lin, Giles 2013). ...
Семья остается одним из важнейших источников поддержки для пожилых людей. Географическая близость членов семьи имеет важные последствия для частоты контактов, обмена межпоколенными трансфертами, эмоциональных связей, благополучия пожилых людей, а также для увеличивающегося спроса на формальный и неформальный уход. В свете старения населения и растущего давления на устойчивость системы ухода за пожилыми данное исследование, посвященное географической близости между членами семей и переездам в пожилом возрасте, вносит вклад в изучение внутренней миграции, старения, семейных отношений и социального обеспечения. Исследование также дает новую информацию политикам и практикам, заинтересованным в более сбалансированном участии государства и семьи в системе ухода. Главный вопрос исследования заключался в следующем: как жизненные обстоятельства пожилых людей связаны с их собственной миграционной активностью и активностью их родственников (включая переезд пожилых людей в учреждения интернатного типа)? Мы использовали полные данные регистров населения Норвегии и Швеции, чтобы изучить роль таких жизненных обстоятельств как, потребности в профессиональном уходе, серьезные проблемы со здоровьем (операционализированные как «близость к дате смерти»), а также отсутствие основных членов семьи (супругов и/или взрослых детей) в миграционном поведении пожилых. Включение в модели дополнительных детерминант миграционного поведения, таких как связи с другими членами семьи, гендер, использование формальных услуг по уходу и контекстуальные различия в местах проживания (т. е. муниципальные характеристики), помогли детализировать ответ на наш исследовательский вопрос.
... Fear and intimidation were defining attributes of filial coercive control and are referenced in 15 articles. This fear can manifest in concerns for personal safety because of current or past incidents of violence or threats of future violence (Anand et al., 2013;Brandl, 2000;Conrad et al., 2011aConrad et al., , 2011bJackson and Hafemeister, 2016;Roberto, 2016;Sprangler and Brandl, 2007;Schiamberg and Gans, 1999;2000;Dow et al., 2020;Lin and Giles, 2013), the threat and perceived fear that abusive adult child could effect their institutionalisation (Conrad et al., 2011a(Conrad et al., , 2011bDow et al., 2020;Wydall and Zerk, 2017). Living in fear of the abusive individual was a dominant theme throughout, specifically verbal abuse (Anand et al, 2013;Brandl, 2000, Brandl andHoran, 2002;Conrad et al., 2011aConrad et al., , 2011bJackson and Hafemeister, 2016;Lin and Giles, 2013;Roberto, 2016;Schiamberg and Gans, 1999) and a fear the abuse will escalate if the older adults disclose or seek support (Dow et al, 2020;Smith, 2025). ...
... This fear can manifest in concerns for personal safety because of current or past incidents of violence or threats of future violence (Anand et al., 2013;Brandl, 2000;Conrad et al., 2011aConrad et al., , 2011bJackson and Hafemeister, 2016;Roberto, 2016;Sprangler and Brandl, 2007;Schiamberg and Gans, 1999;2000;Dow et al., 2020;Lin and Giles, 2013), the threat and perceived fear that abusive adult child could effect their institutionalisation (Conrad et al., 2011a(Conrad et al., , 2011bDow et al., 2020;Wydall and Zerk, 2017). Living in fear of the abusive individual was a dominant theme throughout, specifically verbal abuse (Anand et al, 2013;Brandl, 2000, Brandl andHoran, 2002;Conrad et al., 2011aConrad et al., , 2011bJackson and Hafemeister, 2016;Lin and Giles, 2013;Roberto, 2016;Schiamberg and Gans, 1999) and a fear the abuse will escalate if the older adults disclose or seek support (Dow et al, 2020;Smith, 2025). Schiamberg and Gans (1999) apply an ecological approach to their analysis of the risk factors of psychological abuse, which they define as "an act carried out with the intention of causing psychological distress" along with a failure to allow an older person, "who is otherwise able, the ability to make his or her own decisions" (p. ...
Purpose
This study aims to synthesise published evidence relating to filial coercive control to generate an understanding of this under-explored concept. This paper identifies its defining characteristics and explores the circumstances under which the phenomenon manifests in the lives of older adults.
Design/methodology/approach
A scoping review methodology was adopted to guide the literature review, while a concept analysis methodology guided data extraction and analysis. Drawing on Rodgers’s (1989) evolutionary concept analysis method, a co-constructed research methodology was developed for this study.
Findings
The concept of filial coercive control was understood in the context of the following antecedents: ageist norms, a parental relationship (both biological and non-biological), physical proximity and the controlling characteristics and tendencies of the abusive adult child. The defining attributes included the exercise of power through control, dependency and entrapment, isolation and confinement and fear and intimidation. Using the dominant themes, models and contrary cases were constructed to illustrate the findings.
Originality/value
Existing bodies of theory fail to adequately describe the phenomenon of filial coercive control adequately; as a consequence, a co-constructed concept analysis was conducted. A tentative operational definition and a conceptual model are proposed providing a starting point for future research and informing professional practice and education.
... Health communication also transmits information about health management, which is related to life expectancy and the quality of life of family members 86 . Negative and avoidant family communication affects psychological distress and interpersonal conflicts 90 , reducing self-esteem and confidence in disease management in elderly patients with chronic diseases 91 . Therefore, family communication mediated the effects of extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism on health literacy. ...
The significance of health literacy for elderly individuals with chronic illnesses lies in managing and delaying disease development, which is affected by personal and environmental factors. Family communication can provide an emotional support environment; self-efficacy is an important factor of subjective initiative and personality. A relatively persistent thinking and behavior pattern can affect the environment, subjective initiative, and individual health outcomes. This study aims to explore the effects of the Big Five personality traits on the health literacy of elderly individuals with chronic illnesses and to hypothesize that family communication and self-efficacy mediate the Big Five personalities and health literacy. A cross-sectional study of 2251 elderly individuals with chronic diseases was conducted through nationwide random quota sampling. The structural equation model was used to explore the mediating role of family communication and self-efficacy between the Big Five personality and health literacy. Family communication played a simple mediating role in the influence of extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism on health literacy. Self-efficacy played a simple mediating role in the influence of the Big Five personalities on health literacy. Self-efficacy and family communication played a chain mediating role between extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and health literacy. Nurses can enhance the health literacy of elderly individuals with chronic illnesses with extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism through family communication and self-efficacy while promoting the health literacy of those with openness through self-efficacy.
... Fear and intimidation were defining attributes of filial coercive control and are referenced in 15 articles. This fear can manifest in concerns for personal safety because of current or past incidents of violence or threats of future violence (Anand et al., 2013;Brandl, 2000;Conrad et al., 2011aConrad et al., , 2011bJackson and Hafemeister, 2016;Roberto, 2016;Sprangler and Brandl, 2007;Schiamberg and Gans, 1999;2000;Dow et al., 2020;Lin and Giles, 2013), the threat and perceived fear that abusive adult child could effect their institutionalisation (Conrad et al., 2011a(Conrad et al., , 2011bDow et al., 2020;Wydall and Zerk, 2017). Living in fear of the abusive individual was a dominant theme throughout, specifically verbal abuse (Anand et al, 2013;Brandl, 2000, Brandl andHoran, 2002;Conrad et al., 2011aConrad et al., , 2011bJackson and Hafemeister, 2016;Lin and Giles, 2013;Roberto, 2016;Schiamberg and Gans, 1999) and a fear the abuse will escalate if the older adults disclose or seek support (Dow et al, 2020;Smith, 2025). ...
... This fear can manifest in concerns for personal safety because of current or past incidents of violence or threats of future violence (Anand et al., 2013;Brandl, 2000;Conrad et al., 2011aConrad et al., , 2011bJackson and Hafemeister, 2016;Roberto, 2016;Sprangler and Brandl, 2007;Schiamberg and Gans, 1999;2000;Dow et al., 2020;Lin and Giles, 2013), the threat and perceived fear that abusive adult child could effect their institutionalisation (Conrad et al., 2011a(Conrad et al., , 2011bDow et al., 2020;Wydall and Zerk, 2017). Living in fear of the abusive individual was a dominant theme throughout, specifically verbal abuse (Anand et al, 2013;Brandl, 2000, Brandl andHoran, 2002;Conrad et al., 2011aConrad et al., , 2011bJackson and Hafemeister, 2016;Lin and Giles, 2013;Roberto, 2016;Schiamberg and Gans, 1999) and a fear the abuse will escalate if the older adults disclose or seek support (Dow et al, 2020;Smith, 2025). Schiamberg and Gans (1999) apply an ecological approach to their analysis of the risk factors of psychological abuse, which they define as "an act carried out with the intention of causing psychological distress" along with a failure to allow an older person, "who is otherwise able, the ability to make his or her own decisions" (p. ...
Background
In the absence of an established definition, the term filial coercive control is used to denote a relationship between an adult-child and their older-parent(s) which is characterised by a persistent pattern of controlling and abusive behaviour. This study explores how this phenomenon is understood in the literature by identifying and synthesizing the current state of knowledge of in this field of research. The knowledge generated from this concept analysis, along with the tacit knowledge of the author as a practitioner- researcher, was synthesised to produce a tentative conceptual framework. The distinctions between filial coercive control from psychological elder abuse are explained with the use of models and contrary cases. The hypotheses generated from this study will be used to guide semi-structured interviews with safeguarding social workers in a later qualitative study.
Methods
A scoping review methodology was adopted to guide the literature review, while a concept analysis methodology guided data extraction and analysis. Drwing on Rodgers’ evolutionary concept analysis method, a co-constructed research methodology was developed for this study.
Results
The concept of filial coercive control is understood in the context of the following antecedents: ageist norms, a parental relationship (both biological and non-biological), physical proximity and spatiality, along with the controlling characteristics and tendencies of the abusive adult-child. The defining attributes include the exercise of power through control, dependency and entrapment, isolation and confinement, and fear and intimidation. Through a process of reflective thematic analysis, the defining attributes were used to guide the construction of models and contrary cases to illustrate the findings.
Conclusion
Existing bodies of theory fail to adequately describe the phenomenon of filial coercive control. A tentative operational definition and a conceptual model are proposed that provide a starting point for future research and to help to inform professional practice and education.
... Fear and intimidation were defining attributes of filial coercive control and are referenced in 15 articles. This fear can manifest in concerns for personal safety because of current or past incidents of violence or threats of future violence (Anand et al., 2013;Brandl, 2000;Conrad et al., 2011aConrad et al., , 2011bJackson and Hafemeister, 2016;Roberto, 2016;Sprangler and Brandl, 2007;Schiamberg and Gans, 1999;2000;Dow et al., 2020;Lin and Giles, 2013), the threat and perceived fear that abusive adult child could effect their institutionalisation (Conrad et al., 2011a(Conrad et al., , 2011bDow et al., 2020;Wydall and Zerk, 2017). Living in fear of the abusive individual was a dominant theme throughout, specifically verbal abuse (Anand et al, 2013;Brandl, 2000, Brandl andHoran, 2002;Conrad et al., 2011aConrad et al., , 2011bJackson and Hafemeister, 2016;Lin and Giles, 2013;Roberto, 2016;Schiamberg and Gans, 1999) and a fear the abuse will escalate if the older adults disclose or seek support (Dow et al, 2020;Smith, 2025). ...
... This fear can manifest in concerns for personal safety because of current or past incidents of violence or threats of future violence (Anand et al., 2013;Brandl, 2000;Conrad et al., 2011aConrad et al., , 2011bJackson and Hafemeister, 2016;Roberto, 2016;Sprangler and Brandl, 2007;Schiamberg and Gans, 1999;2000;Dow et al., 2020;Lin and Giles, 2013), the threat and perceived fear that abusive adult child could effect their institutionalisation (Conrad et al., 2011a(Conrad et al., , 2011bDow et al., 2020;Wydall and Zerk, 2017). Living in fear of the abusive individual was a dominant theme throughout, specifically verbal abuse (Anand et al, 2013;Brandl, 2000, Brandl andHoran, 2002;Conrad et al., 2011aConrad et al., , 2011bJackson and Hafemeister, 2016;Lin and Giles, 2013;Roberto, 2016;Schiamberg and Gans, 1999) and a fear the abuse will escalate if the older adults disclose or seek support (Dow et al, 2020;Smith, 2025). Schiamberg and Gans (1999) apply an ecological approach to their analysis of the risk factors of psychological abuse, which they define as "an act carried out with the intention of causing psychological distress" along with a failure to allow an older person, "who is otherwise able, the ability to make his or her own decisions" (p. ...
Background
Increasingly the phenomena of non-intimate coercive control has been identified as a significant social problem experienced by older adults. This form of elder abuse occurs in relationships where there is an expectation of trust and shares many attributes with psychological elder abuse. Extensive research studies have examined how coercive control is enacted within intimate relationships. However, our understanding of how adult children employ strategies of coercive control in their relationships with their older parents is severely limited.
Methods
Scoping review and concept analysis methodologies were combined in a hybrid model to clarify and analyse the concept of filial coercive control. The framework proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR), guided the systematic literature review. Then, using the steps of Rodger’s (1989) evolutionary concept analysis, the antecedents, attributes, and consequences of filial coercive control were described in detail.
Results
This study has extended the theoretical framework of elder abuse by incorporating filial coercive control as a subtype of abuse experienced by older adults. The subject area is complex and heterogenous, encompassing literature generated in the disciplines of law, social science, psychology, and criminology among others. This research has enabled the construction of a theoretical conceptual boundary around the subject by identifying key concepts, theories, surrogate terms and sources of evidence of filial coercive control.
Conclusion
As an emergent topic area, the phenomena of coercive control has been subject to inconsistent terminology. The theoretical framework underpinning the literature has not always been explicitly stated leading to confusion about how the phenomena is constructed. Using scoping review and concept analysis methods, it was possible to gain a better understanding about the evolution of the concept of filial coercive control enabling us to propose a tentative operational definition.
... 3 HUD.gov. https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/7_HUD_09-89-1641-1.PDF 4 For example: physical characteristics like height and size, which can cue ability (Preston 1999, Rubin 2011); age and gender(Giles 1970, Scharinger et al. 2011, Lin & Giles 2013, Podesva & Callier 2015; race and ethnicity(Bourhis & Giles 1976, Baugh 2003, Holliday 2019; and region of origin, which can cue nationality(Preston 2000, Johnstone 2016). ...
... Despite these difficulties, several studies have focused on ageing (process) or being older (product) in regards to elder abuse, mainly, considering three major aspects. First, ageing is associated with life transitions and changes that influence relationship and family dynamics, which can increase vulnerability to elder abuse (Anetzberger, 2000;Band-Winterstein, 2015;Lin and Giles, 2013;Penhale, 2003;Walsh et al., 2007). Second, violence and victimization patterns are also affected by the passage of time (Band-Winterstein, 2015;Brozowski and Hall, 2004;Rennison and Rand, 2003;Wilke and Vinton, 2005;Zink et al., 2005). ...
... In the case of intimate partner violence (IPV ), for instance, several social and family changes in older age, and as such retirement, becoming a caregiver, new and unexpected disability or starting a new relationship can be precipitating factors for elder abuse (Band-Winterstein, 2015;Penhale, 2003;Walsh et al., 2007). There is not enough evidence on the association between the parent-child relationship throughout the lifespan and elder abuse occurrence (Band-Winterstein, 2015;Lin and Giles, 2013). However, transitions in one person's life often lead to transitions for the other people as well (Elder and Johnson, 2002;Schiamberg and Gans, 2000) and changes associated with the ageing process may have well influenced the relationship between parent and adult child. ...
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine, through a qualitative lens, how community elder abuse and the ageing process are represented in the older adults’ narratives reporting abuse perpetrated by family members.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative study of a convenience sample of 22 interviews from 24 older adults (two couples) aged 60 years or older who had experienced one or more types of abuse and had sought help about the victimisation experience. A general inductive approach of thematic content analysis was employed.
Findings
The four main emergent themes related to the passage of time or the perception of becoming old within the process of abuse were: abuse grown old, abuse after entering later life, vulnerability to abuse and responses to abuse. Ageing was found to be associated with an increase vulnerability to abuse and an important element in shaping how older adults experience, report and cope with victimization. The social and contextual issues of being older also influenced the decision of ending (or not) the abuse and the victims’ repertoire of responses.
Originality/value
Despite the little suitability of chronological age to define and delimit elder abuse, understanding the phenomenon demands the recognition of ageing (both as a process and as a product) in order to more accurately identify aetiology processes and develop interventions.
... The abusive relationship is seen as the product of gender and age inequalities, where the perpetrator uses a pattern of coercive tactics to gain and maintain his/her power and control [32]. The unbalance of power might be particularly felt when dependency and care needs increase over time and the older adult must depend on the offspring in their day-to-day living [33,34]. While this approach can be helpful to understand elder abuse perpetrated by spouse, partners or offspring, it doesn't seem to be comprehensive enough to contextualize elder abuse perpetrated by individuals outside the nuclear family. ...
Background: Research on elder abuse has defined it as a multidimensional construct that encompasses a set of different abusive behaviours, victims, perpetrators and settings. The array of possible elder abuse configurations is difficult to capture. This study sought to identify victimization patterns that represent distinct elder abuse configurations based on specific abusive behaviours and on the relationship with the perpetrator; it also sought to determine the association between these latent classes with victims’ characteristics. Method: Data comes from two elder abuse surveys: a representative sample of community-dwelling adults and a convenience sample of older adults reporting elder abuse to four state and NGOs institutions. Latent Class Analysis (LCA) was used to categorize victimization in the population-based (N = 245) and in the victims’ sample (N = 510) using 7 items measuring physical, psychological and financial abuse, and appointed perpetrators. Association tests were conducted to determine differences and similarities of victims’ characteristics between the different obtained classes. Results: The LCA procedure identified six different latent classes of victimization experiences in each of the samples, which were statistically and plausibly distinct. In the population-based survey: verbal abuse by others (29%); psychological abuse from children/grandchildren (18%); overlooked by others (18%); stolen by others (15%); verbal
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) (14%) and physical and psychological IPV (6%). In the victims’ survey: physical abuse by children/grandchildren (29%); physical IPV (26%); psychological abuse by children/grandchildren (18%); polyvictimization by others (16%); physical abuse by others (6%) and physical and psychological IPV (4%). In the victims survey the 6 groups significantly differ in age, gender, civil status, living arrangements, perceived social support and functional status. Conclusions: The results support the possibility of the multidimensionality of elder abuse not being accounted by the “classical” abuse typologies. Elder abuse victims seeking help may represent a distinct group from that included in
population-based prevalence studies. The appointed perpetrators may be the most meaningful and relevant aspect in distinguishing victimization experiences. Further research is needed to develop tailored interventions to specific elder abuse cases and enhance successful outcomes.
... Consistent with previous findings (Yan, 2014), care burden was identified as a prominent predictor for physical and psychological abuse, and caregiver neglect. Caregiver burden has been associated with the development of hostile attitude and conflictive family relationships that pose an increased risk of domestic violence (Lin & Giles, 2013). Our results supported an earlier investigation, which concluded that caregivers with poorer physical health have an increased propensity to neglect their care-recipients (Fulmer et al., 2005). ...
Objectives:
To identify risk and protective factors associated with elder abuse among older Chinese with cognitive and physical impairment in the People's Republic of China (PRC).
Methods:
1002 dyads of care recipients and family caregivers were interviewed.
Results:
The mutually reported rates were 9.7%, 0.8%, 33.2%, and 39.7% for psychological abuse, physical abuse, financial exploitation, and caregiver neglect respectively. Caregiver burden, care recipient neuropsychiatric symptoms, and cognitive impairments are prominent risk factors, while protective factors associated with multiple abuse subtypes include caregiver's use of emotion-focused and solution-focused coping, perception of familism, and premorbid relationship rewards. Distinct factors were observed for respective forms of abuse. Psychological abuse with family poverty; Caregiver neglect with caregiver's substance use and poor physical health; Financial exploitation with caregiver's neurotic personality, as well as care recipient's younger age, absence of chronic illness, and co-residence between the caregiver and care recipient.
Discussion:
Both similar and distinct factors were observed for different forms of abuse, potentially useful for designing prevention and intervention programs.
