Exploring the Gap between External Measures and Perceptions of Elder Abuse in Rural China

• In Event: 30860 - Section on Aging and the Life Course Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 6. End-of-Life Planning, Death, and Bereavement

Abstract

This study investigates the discrepancy between external assessments and personal perceptions of elder abuse among older Chinese adults (ages 60-79) in a rural county. Participants answered three questions adapted from the Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test on verbal, physical, and financial mistreatment. Among the 57 respondents who reported at least one affirmative response, none self-identified as victims when asked, “Since turning 60, have you ever been abused?” This highlights a divergence between objective indicators and subjective recognition of elder mistreatment.
Statistical tests indicated no significant demographic or socioeconomic differences between those who screened positive and those who did not. Content analysis of responses to “What constitutes elder abuse? Have you ever witnessed it? If so, how did it occur?” revealed widespread awareness, with over 40% reporting firsthand observations and 35.71% having heard of cases. Neglect emerged as the most cited form, including failure to meet basic, medical, emotional, practical, and financial needs. Other types included beating, cursing, verbal disrespect, facial disdain and bad attitudes, rotational care, and financial exploitation. All perpetrators were explicitly or implicitly identified as adult children and/or their spouses. Influenced by filial piety, participants framed mistreatment as a private family matter and equal abuse with unfilial behaviors.
These findings underscore the need for culturally contextualized definitions and assessment tools for elder abuse. Standardized measures developed in Western contexts may overlook culturally specific perceptions, limiting their effectiveness in identifying abuse. Developing contextually relevant frameworks is essential for accurately identifying and addressing elder mistreatment in this population.

Author

• Yiqing Yang, Western Carolina University