Child Adversities, Midlife Health, and Elder Abuse: Application of Cumulative Disadvantage Theory [Summary]
Date
2021
Authors
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Publisher
National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA)
Abstract
Elder abuse victimization is increasingly recognized as a pressing public health concern. However, few empirical studies have investigated whether early life course adversities and midlife sequelae heighten risks for abuse in late life. Guided by cumulative disadvantage theory, our study examined whether compromised health in middle adulthood (physical, psychological, cognitive) mediates the association between childhood adversity and elder abuse. This secondary analysis was based on data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, a population-based, multi-wave dataset. We analyzed responses from 5,968 participants (mean age = 71 years; 54% female). Rates for any elder abuse and child adversities were, respectively, 16.34% and 47.98%. Multivariate analyses supported the cumulative disadvantage hypothesis. We found that childhood adversities and poor physical and psychological health in midlife were associated with greater elder abuse victimization. This innovative study represents one of the only longitudinal investigation of elder abuse, thereby advancing our understanding of mechanisms through which childhood trauma influences abuse in late life. Boosting health in middle adulthood could help prevent elder abuse. (Author Text) [CVRL Note: see also the full webinar on this article here: https://vimeo.com/625546425?embedded=true&source=vimeo_logo&owner=10356864 and slides here: https://www.evidentchange.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/NAPSA%20Presentation%20%28Oct.%206%202021%29.pdf]
Description
Research Brief
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Other
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Keywords
Longitudinal Study, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Child Abuse, Child Maltreatment, Abuse in Later Life, Elder Abuse, Elder Mistreatment, Older Adults, Physical Health, Mental Health, Mental Illness
Citation
Easton, Scott; Kong, Jooyoung. (2021). Child Adversities, Midlife Health, and Elder Abuse: Application of Cumulative Disadvantage Theory. NAPSA, Research to Practice Series.