Using Motivational Interviewing to Reduce Elder Abuse
Author Information
Author(s): Yan Elsie, Louis, Wan Debby, He Jasmin, Lai Daniel W L, Burnes David, Pillemer Karl, Lachs Mark
Primary Institution: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hypothesis
Can a motivational interviewing-based intervention effectively reduce elder abuse severity and promote positive changes among older adults?
Conclusion
The motivational interviewing intervention significantly improved psychological distress, self-efficacy, social support, abuse severity, and perceived ability to change among older adults compared to the control group.
Supporting Evidence
- The intervention group showed significant improvements in psychological distress.
- General self-efficacy increased significantly in the intervention group.
- Social support levels improved significantly for those in the intervention group.
- Abuse severity decreased significantly in the intervention group.
- Participants felt more capable of making positive changes after the intervention.
Takeaway
This study shows that talking to someone trained in motivational interviewing can help older people feel better and reduce abuse.
Methodology
The study involved a 90-minute individual session and three 30-minute booster sessions with trained facilitators, comparing 33 intervention cases to 28 control cases.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias was addressed using a difference in differences technique.
Limitations
The study may have limitations related to sample size and the specific population studied.
Participant Demographics
Community dwelling older Chinese individuals in Hong Kong.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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