DEVELOPMENT OF THE INTERPERSONAL DISPUTE AND EMOTIONAL CONSEQUENCES IN OLD AGE QUESTIONNAIRE (INDICATE)

• Published in: Innovation in aging 2018-11, Vol.2 (suppl_1), p.687-687
• Main Authors: Neise, M, Kaspar, R, Rietz, C, Zank, S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abstracts
• ISSN: 2399-5300; 2399-5300
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.2556

Elder Abuse (EA) is a multidimensional phenomenon intrinsically tied to intense negative emotional consequences for the older person concerned. Tailored survey instruments measuring EA in the population of the oldest old (80+ years) are lacking and frequently adapted from other contexts (e.g. family violence). The aim of the present study is the development of a comprehensive survey instrument of EA of the very old (INDICATE). First, we identified different dimensions of EA from literature and professionals from applied fields. Second, we developed 16 items linking EA to emotional consequences of this behavior. Finally, we investigated the prevalence and evidence for the theoretical structure of the instrument in a representative sample of the very old (80+) from the NRW80+ study (n=1694). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) shows 6 dimensions of EA (Intimidation, Incrimination, Paternalism, Neglect, Financial Exploitation, Physical Abuse) to represent reliable components (McDonalds Ω >= .715). The first 4 dimensions form a second order factor (Psychological Abuse). For substantative reasons an alternative approach has been used to model physical restraints and sexual intrusiveness as further dimensions of EA in the very old. Psychological Abuse (48 %, counted if indicated at least seldom on any relevant item) and more specifically intimidation (36 %) could be shown to be most prevalent among all abuse dimensions. Considering EA to be a highly sensitive phenomenon, which is not easy to be admitted, we conclude that INDICATE represents a comprehensive measure including subtle abusive acts combined with their negative emotional consequences to generate consultable valid information.