NCJ Number
149199
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: (1994) Pages: 29-54
Date Published
1994
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This study used experts' taxonomy and definition of elder abuse as the theoretical foundation for the development of two instruments to measure public perceptions of elder abuse.
Abstract
The Elder Abuse Vignette Scale (EAVS) addresses the types and meanings of elder abuse through concrete behavioral examples. The scale is designed to differentiate between abusive, borderline, and nonabusive behaviors. Respondents evaluating the behavioral statements use a semantic differential scale with five bipolar adjectives. The Elements of Elder Abuse Scale (EEAS) uses 25 statements addressing one aspect of the elder abuse definition or taxonomy to identify those components with which the public agrees and to develop a definition and taxonomy that incorporate expert and public perceptions. A pilot study used a sample of 104 middle-aged and older adults to ascertain the usefulness of these two new instruments. 1 table, 5 figures, and 25 references