Elder financial abuse based on victim–perpetrator relationship as perceived by Asian young adults

Abstract

Objective: The current study aimed to examine how Asian adults perceive the severity of elder financial abuse (EFA) based on victim–perpetrator relationship and the explanations they give for minimizing it when the perpetrator is a close family member. Background: Financial abuse, one of the fastest growing forms of abuse in the elderly population, has remained understudied, especially in Asian communities, due to cultural variations in its definition and perception. Method: A mixed-methods study design was utilized. One hundred sixty-four participants responded to two vignettes depicting EFA perpetrated by a close family member (son) and nonfamily member (neighbor). Results: Paired samples t test found significant differences in severity ratings of EFA committed by son and neighbor within Asian adults. The qualitative report explored participants' explanations for minimizing EFA perpetrated by close family member using thematic analysis, which identified two major themes: (a) dismissal of severity and responsibility and (2) justification of abuse. Conclusion: This is one of the few studies to provide valuable insight into the influence of culture on perceptions of elder abuse. Implications: With the elderly population in Asia increasing steadily, culturally relevant risk factors of abuse need to be identified because this could guide legal provisions that help protect the rights of older individuals.