Duty Bound

Reporting the results of a study on abuse of the elderly by adult children, Dynamics of Elder Abuse examines the impact that caring for an elderly patient has on the lives of middle-aged and sometimes elderly caregiving offspring. The data are derived from in-depth interviews with 104 caregivers, and is used to detail the daily tasks of caregivers and the resulting stress, conflict and abuse. Correlating information such as the nature of the tasks performed and the amount of stress and burden perceived by the caregiver, Steinmetz analyzes the relationship between the level of dependency, stress produced by the dependency and the level of abuse, and addresses intergenerational patterns of control and abuse interaction. Lastly, Steinmetz evaluates the intent behind so-called abusive treatment; the passive/active continuum of abuse; and the relationship between perceived success or failure of the caregiving.