Elder Abuse and Neglect in African American Families: Informing Practice Based on Ecological and Cultural Frameworks

• NCJ Number: 235037
• Journal: Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect Volume: 23 Issue: 1 Dated: January - March 2011 Pages: 75-88
• Author(s): Sheena R. Horsford, B.A.; Jose Ruben Parra-Cardona, Ph.D.; Lori A. Post, Ph.D.; Larry Schiamberg, Ph.D.
• Date Published: January 2011
• Length: 14 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the problem of elder abuse and neglect in African-American families.

Abstract

Despite the rapid growth of the elderly African-American population in the United States, elder abuse and neglect in African-American families continue to be underdeveloped areas of study. This article presents an ecological and culturally informed framework for the study of elder abuse in African-American populations. The model was developed based on Bronfenbrenner's Human Ecological Theory. The model identifies risk factors associated with different systems that have an influence on the lives of African-American families. Cultural protective factors also are identified in the model. The model is intended to provide an understanding of elder abuse and neglect in African-American families by considering the influence of contextual factors such as the legacy of slavery, social exclusion, and structural segregation and racism. Specific suggestions for practice are proposed according to cultural strengths of African-American communities as well as the ecological premises of the model. (Published Abstract)