The Effectiveness of Psychological Interventions With Individuals Who Physically Abuse or Neglect Their Elderly Dependents

This study evaluates the effectiveness of an education and anger management intervention program for individuals who physically abuse or neglect their elderly dependents. Pre- and postintervention assessments were carried out to measure the degree of conflict, strain, depression, anxiety, and cost of caring on two populations: 9 who physically abused and 10 who neglected. The investigation also established whether significant change was maintained at follow-up, 6 months after the interventions. Both the physical abuse and neglect groups showed significant reductions in strain, depression, and anxiety as a result of the education intervention. Both groups then demonstrated further reductions in these areas resulting from the anger management intervention. This intervention also produced lower levels of cost of care for both groups and fewer conflict tactics for the physical abuse group. The significant reductions in problem factors were maintained at follow-up. The implications for clinical practice are discussed.