Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the most prevalent type of elder abuse in S. Korea. This study also examined which type of elder abuse most affected elder depression and then discussed social countermeasures toward the prevalent types of elder abuse. Methods: This was a descriptive study and the data were collected via a convenience sampling method. Seventy-seven study participants were 60 years old or above and did not have mental disabilities or depression disorder. Five different types of elder abuse (verbal, emotional, physical, financial, and neglect) were measured along with their depressive symptoms. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the most prevalent type of elder abuse in S. Korea. Also, bivariate correlation and multiple regression were utilized to understand the relationship between types of elder abuse and elder depression. Results: Among the five types of elder abuse, verbal, emotional, and neglect abuse were more prevalent than physical and financial abuse. According to the bivariate analysis, emotional abuse and verbal abuse were significantly related with elder depression. Conclusion: Invisible types of elder abuse such as emotional, verbal, and neglect abuse were more prevalent than visible types such as financial and physical abuse. These abuse types were also significantly correlated with elder depression. This study warrants future interventional studies to improve elders' perception of elder abuse and thus prevent the development of elder depression.