Mental Distress Posed by the Co-Experience of Elder Mistreatment and Social Isolation: A Study with Older Korean Americans.

Abstract

This study examined the concurrent effects of social isolation and elder mistreatment on mental distress in older Korean Americans (n= 2,122, Mean age = 73.4). Approximately 44% experienced mistreatment, with 32% exposed to a single type and 12% to multiple types (polyvictimization). Social isolation and mental distress rates were about 24% and 30%, respectively. Both factors independently affected mental distress, with a significant interaction observed. The odds of experiencing mental distress were substantially greater when polyvictimization occurred in social isolation. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions to support for those who are mistreated and lack social protection.