UNDERSTANDING ELDER MISTREATMENT: THE IMPACT OF RELATIONSHIP QUALITY, SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT, AND LONELINESS ON MISTREATMENT RISK AND HEALTH OUTCOME

Elder mistreatment is a pressing global public health issue. The socio-ecological model underscores the intricate systems that shape individuals’ experiences, emphasizing the interplay between relational and social factors. Concurrently, socioemotional selectivity theory suggests that as individuals age, they prioritize emotionally meaningful relationships. However, elder mistreatment is often perpetrated by trusted individuals within these networks. This dissertation examines whether interpersonal relationship quality, social engagement, and perceived loneliness predict the occurrence of elder mistreatment. Utilizing longitudinal data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), this three-study dissertation investigates the associations between interpersonal relationship quality (e.g., spouse, family, and friends), social engagement, and perceived loneliness with the likelihood of elder mistreatment. Furthermore, it explores whether these relational and social factors mediate the impact of elder mistreatment on self-rated physical and mental health in later life. Employing advanced statistical techniques, including factor analysis, logistic regression models, and structural equation modeling, this dissertation provides a nuanced understanding of how interpersonal and societal influences contribute to elder mistreatment and shape health outcomes. The findings aim to inform policies and interventions that promote social well-being and safeguard older adults from mistreatment.