Annotated Bibliography
Intergenerational Issues Relating to Family Violence
October 2000

CANE (Clearinghouse on Abuse and Neglect of the Elderly) is the nation's largest and most utilized computerized collection of elder abuse materials and resources. With over 3,000 holdings, CANE has the ability to perform customized searches of over 100 keywords producing annotated bibliographies available to the professional community and to the public.

CANE is a service of the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), which is supported by the U.S. Administration on Aging.

The following articles addressing Intergenerational Issues Relating to Family Violence are available by request from CANE. Please be aware of each article's file number. The digits following the hyphen in the file numbers indicate the total number of photocopied pages. For example, if the file number is A78-11, then this article (number A78-11) is 11 pages in length. Articles of interest will be forwarded to you at a cost of $.20 per page.

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University of Delaware
Newark, DE 19716

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1. A59-14
   Osako, M. and Liu, W.
   Intergenerational Relations and the Aged Among Japanese Americans
   Research on Aging; Vol. 8 (1) 128-153, March 1986
   
   Keywords: Intergenerational, Japanese-Americans
   
   This article discusses the widening intergenerational gap among Japanese Americans and reviews the impact of social mobility of the younger generation on relations with their first generation parents, it also examines social isolation among Japanese American elderly and how tradition affects elder care.
   
   
2. A478D-11
   Suitor, J. and Pillemer, K.
   Explaining Intergenerational Conflict When Adult Children and Elderly Parents Live Together
   Journal of Marriage and the Family; Vol. 50 (4) 1037-1047, November 1988
   
   Keywords: Caregiver-children, Intergenerational abuse
   
   In a random sample of 372 elderly parents sharing their home with adult children, low levels of intergenerational conflict were reported. Conflict was lower when the adult child was older and in a similar marital status as the parent. Conflict was not related to the parents' health or dependency upon the adult child. Thus, social characteristics were most important in predicting intergenerational conflict.
   
   
3. A560-5
   Lund, D., Feinhauer, L. and Miller, J.
   Living Together: Grandparents and Children Tell Their Problems
   Journal of Gerontological Nursing; Vol. 11 (11) 29-33, 1985
   
   Keywords: Intergenerational abuse, Caregiver-children, Caregiver-stress/burden
   
   This paper discusses problems that arise when grandparents (elders) move in with the family. The role of the family as caregivers is discussed along with the burden and stress that many experience due to the presence of a chronically ill or demented elder in the home. Case studies show problems and feelings experienced by the elder and the family. Solutions are offered.
   
   
4. A688-6
   Steinmetz, S.
   Parent to Child - Child to Parent - Obligation and Abuse in America
   Delaware Lawyer - 20-25, Summer 1985
   
   Keywords: Intergenerational abuse, Caregiver-children, Caregiver-stress/burden
   
   This article provides an overview of the history of intergenerational relational and current parent-child relations and the advent of elder abuse. Issues addressed include filial responsibility, child abuse, dependence and conflict, the economics of caregiving, caregiver burden, and legislative and service needs.
   
   
5. A769-13
   Pillemer, K.
   The Dangers of Dependency: New Findings on Domestic Violence Against the Elderly
   Unpublished Paper - February 1985
   
   Keywords: Dependence, Caregiver-stress/burden
   
   This paper examines two conflicting hypothesis based on social exchange theory: 1) that the increased dependency of older people causes stress for relatives who then respond with physical violence, and 2) that the increased dependency of the abusive relative leads to maltreatment. The data consisted of 300 cases and results suggest that elderly victims are not likely to be more dependent, but are instead more likely to be supporting the dependent abuser. Implications for policy are discussed.
   
   
6. A785-8
   Lee, G. and Ellithorpe, E.
   Intergenerational Exchange and Subjective Well-Being Among the Elderly
   Journal of Marriage and the Family; Vol. 44 (1) 217-224, February 1982
   
   Keywords: Intergenerational abuse
   
   This article examines possible relationships between the intergenerational exchange of aid and the morale of the elderly in a sample of parents 60 or over. Data indicate no relationship between morale and the exchange of aid, and they add to the growing body of literature suggesting that interaction with kin has no demonstrable consequences for the emotional well-being of the elderly.
   
   
7. C1719-1
   Gunby, P.
   The Abused Youngster in Twilight Years
   Medical News; Vol. 241 (1) 18-19
   
   Keywords: Intergenerational abuse
   
   This news article discusses two studies presented at the Gerontological Society of America meeting that looks at the later life of those who had been abused as youngsters. Investigators felt there may be a link between abused children and the development of a solitary, non-family "hotel" lifestyle as an elderly adult.
   
   
8. C2112-30
   Campbell, J. and Humphreys, J.
   Nursing Care of Families Using Violence In: Nursing Care of Victims of Family Violence
   Reston Publishing Co., Inc. - 216-245, 1984
   
   Keywords: Intergenerational abuse, Health care
   
   This article discusses how families that use violence tend to pass it on through the generations. Examples are given as well as a discussion on how raised voices and yelling can be a form of abuse in some families.
   
   
9. E2689-7
   Gold, D. and Gwyther, L
   The Prevention of Elder Abuse: An Educational Model
   Family Relations; Vol. 38, 8-14, January 1989
   
   Keywords: Intergenerational abuse, Education/training
   
   This article reviews the literature on elder abuse and describes an educational curriculum designed to prevent elder abuse and neglect in families of the elderly. The curriculum addresses four reasons of potential conflict in older families: financial, functional, social and emotional. Suggestions for future evaluation are discussed.
   
   
10. E2717-5
    Rempusheski, V. and Phillips, L.
    Elders Versus Caregivers: Games They Play
    Geriatric Nursing; Vol. 9 (1) 30-34, January/February 1988
    
    Keywords: Dependence, Caregiver-children, Intergenerational abuse
    
    The quality of caring for elders at home can vary widely with some families providing supportive services and others providing care that is abusive and neglectful. The purpose of this research is to explore the caregivers' perceptions about the quality and dynamics of their caregiving relationships with their elderly using the inductive, qualitative grounded theory methodology. The sample size is addressed from two perspectives: the data bits and the theoretical sample of subjects.
    
    
11. E2730-10
    Godkin, M., Wolf, R. and Pillemer, K.
    A Case Comparison Analysis of Elder Abuse and Neglect
    International Journal of Aging and Human Development ; Vol. 28 (3) 207-225, 1989
    
    Keywords: Theories
    
    This study examines factors which contribute to elderly abuse and neglect by caregivers in a domestic situation. Fifty-nine abused elders from a model project site for the study of elderly abuse were compared with forty-nine non-abused clients from the same agency. The study indicates that members of abused families are more likely to have emotional problems which contribute to interpersonal difficulties. Other findings are discussed.
    
    
12. E2767-12
    Hall, B.
    The Hospitalized Elderly and Intergenerational Conflict
    Journal of Applied Gerontology; Vol. 8 (3) 294-305, September 1989
    
    Keywords: Intergenerational abuse
    
    This article describes the findings of a study investigating intergenerational conflict between adult children and their hospitalized, chronically ill elderly parents. Data on 12 different areas of conflict and presence of negative feelings were collected from both generations. The older generation cited much less conflict when 27 adult child and hospitalized parent pairs were studied and asked to assess the degree of conflict between the generations. The author concluded that the parents may have cited far less conflict because they are in the less powerful position and have more at stake in the relationship and don't wish to upset their children.
    
    
13. E2841-20
    Korbin, J., Anetzberger, G. and Eckert, J.
    Elder Abuse and Child Abuse: A Consideration of Similarities and Differences in Intergenerational Family Violence
    In Press - Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect - 1990
    
    Keywords: Intergenerational abuse, Theory
    Elder abuse has been compared with other forms of interfamilial violence. Despite obvious age and status differences, elder parents and young children exhibit similarities that make linking of elder and child abuse compelling. This paper suggests dimensions relevant to a comparison of intergenerational physical abuse of elder parents and young children.
    
    
14. E2886-7
    Parsons, R., Cox, E. & Kimboko, P.
    Satisfaction, Communication and Affection in Caregiving: A View from the Elder's Perspective
    Journal of Gerontological Social Work; Vol. 13 (3/4) 9-20, 1989
    
    Keywords: Caregiver-children, Caregiver-stress/burden
    
    This study examines the components of multigenerational caregiving relationships and highlights caregiving as experienced by the elder receiving care. The sample consisted of 33 elders from three ethnic backgrounds (blacks, hispanics, white). Findings indicate that improved quality of the relationship between elder and caregiver is related to a high degree of elder's satisfaction with the arrangement, whereas levels of the elder's functioning is not related to a degree of satisfaction. Findings also suggest that elders fear being a burden, hide their troubles and feelings and generally feel no sense of contribution to the household.
    
    
15. E2888-8
    Berman, H.
    Adult Children and Their Parents: Irredeemable Obligation and Irreplaceable Loss
    Gerontological Social Work With Families; 21-34, 1987
    
    Keywords: Caregiver-children
    
    Although the strong preference among older people is for independent living, a variety of problems can lead parents to move in with adult children. This living arrangement entails distinct social-psychological characteristics. This paper explores these characteristics in terms of feelings related to the loss of freedom, the children's sense of obligation and the parent's sense of loss. Recommendations are made regarding attitudinal changes which can increase both parents' and childrens' degree of satisfaction with this living arrangement.
    
    
16. E2893-7
    Barusch, A.
    Power Dynamics in the Aging Family: A Preliminary Statement
    Journal of Gerontological Social Work; Vol. 11 (3/4) 43-55, 1987
    
    Keywords: Dependence
    
    Shifting patterns of power and dependence distinguish various periods in a family's life. This paper discusses the options available to dependent elders when faced with a loss of power within the family. Specifically, these options include coercion, bargains with caregivers, deference, and public interventions. Each alternative is defined and implications of each choice for the elder are identified. Strategies for empowerment are provided in order to strengthen professional understanding of intergenerational conflict.
    
    
17. F2981-8
    Phillips, L.
    The Fit of Elder Abuse with the Family Violence Paradigm, and the Implications of a Paradigm Shift for Clinical Practice
    Public Health Nursing; Vol. 5 (4) 222-229, December 1989
    
    Keywords: Intergenerational abuse
    
    Elder abuse is one of the most complex, difficult, and frustrating problems that practicing public health nurses face. In part this frustration is related to the lack of fit between the family violence paradigm and the types of abuse most commonly encountered. Several issues are raised when this paradigm serves as the exclusive basis for concepts about elder abuse. A more comprehensive view is possible when this problem is placed in context of a family caregiving paradigm.
    
    
18. F3161-3
    Hamon, R. and Blieszner, R.
    Filial Responsibility Expectations Among Adult Child-Older Parent Pairs
    Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences; Vol. 45 (3) 110-112, 1990
    
    Keywords: Intergenerational abuse, Caregiver-children
    
    Most respondents interpreted the filial role as including a great deal of emotional support and discussion of important matters and available resources. Results show a moderate level of intergenerational agreement of filial responsibility expectations.
    
    
19. H3285-9
    Litvin, S.
    Status Transitions and Future Outlook as Determinants of Conflict: The Caregiver's Perspective
    The Gerontologist; Vol. 32 (1) 68-76, 1992
    
    Keywords: Caregiver-stress/burden, Intergenerational abuse
    
    The data collected from 117 pairs of caregivers and care receivers confirmed the notion that future outlook is a prediction of conflict for the pair. The study found that care receivers have more negative future outlooks and that caregivers underestimate the needs of the elderly and disagree with the concerns of the elderly. Those who had negative outlooks were more likely to perceive greater conflicts in their relationships.
    
    
20. H3413-6
    Donow, H.
    The Two Faces of Age and the Resolution of Generational Conflict
    The Gerontologist; Vol. 34 (1) 73-78, 1994
    
    Keywords: Intergenerational abuse, Ageism, Media
    
    The portrayal of old age in literature is reviewed in this article. Examples are given depicting elders as both exploiters and victims.
    
    
21. J4081-17
    Harris, S.
    For Better or Worse: Spouse Abuse Grown Old
    Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect; Vol. 8 (1) 1-32, 1996
    
    Keywords: Caregiver-spouse/partner
    
    Spouse abuse is one of the more common forms of elder abuse but little is known about its causes and consequences. This study focuses on older couples to determine the prevalence of risk factors previously identified for spouse abuse in studies of younger couples. Results from the study indicate that although the incidence of spouse abuse in older couples is significantly less than that of younger couples, many of the risk factors present in abusive couple relationships are the same.
    
    
22. K4187-8
    Korbin, J., Anetzberger, G., and Austin, C.
    The Intergenerational Cycle of Violence in Child and Elder Abuse
    Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect; Vol. 7 (1), 1-15, 1995
    
    Keywords: Intergenerational abuse, Caregiver-children
    
    This article reviews existing research on the intergenerational transmission of both child and elder abuse in families. The authors' findings on intergenerational transmission of physical violence comparing child abusing parents and elder abusing children, using the Conflict Tactics Scale, are then reported. Findings suggest that child abusing parents were more likely than elder abusing children to have experienced severe domestic violence as children.
    
    
23. K4188-11
    Kosberg, J.
    The Abuse of Elderly Men
    Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect; Vol. 9 (3), 69-88, 1998
    
    Keywords: Self-neglect, Intergenerational abuse, Lesbian/Gay, Institutional care-abuse/neglect, Gender, Victim profile
    
    This article discusses the high rates of self-abuse by elderly men and their high risk of abuse by others when they are lonely, living in inner cities, incarcerated, or homosexual. Abuse of elderly men occurs in domestic settings by spouses, children, relatives, and friends, and in institutional settings by paid employees. The article discusses varying situations that precede occurrences of abuse of elderly men that affect the quality of their lives.
    
    
24. K4189-7
    Soeda, A. and Araki, C.
    Elder Abuse by Daughters-in-Law in Japan
    Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect; Vol. 11 (1), 47-58, 1999
    
    Keywords: Japanese, Neglect, Caregiver-children, Intergenerational abuse
    
    The purpose of this article was to review and discuss the findings of two studies conducted in Japan in 1993 and 1997 on the issue of domestic elder abuse. These studies surveyed social workers and home aides, and found that neglect by daughters-in-law to be the most prevalent type of elder abuse occurring in Japanese homes. This phenomenon was attributed to poor relationships between daughters-in-law and their in-laws. Relevant research findings are reported.
    
    
25. K4184-13
    Schiamberg, L. and Gans, D.
    An Ecological Framework for Contextual Risk Factors in Elder Abuse by Adult Children
    Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect; Vol. 11 (1), 79-103, 1999
    
    Keywords: Intergenerational abuse, Community resources
    
    This article examines contextual risk factors of elder abuse by adult children using an applied ecological model to better understand intergenerational aspects of elder abuse in families. Recommendations for research and the development of community prevention and intervention strategies are discussed.
    
    
26. K4263-11
    Landau, R.
    Ethical Dilemmas in Treating Cases of Abuse of Older People in the Family
    International Journal of Law, Policy and the Family; Vol. 12(3), 345-355, 1998
    
    Keywords: Intergenerational abuse, Ethics
    
    This article discusses the ethical dilemmas that professionals face when dealing with cases of elder abuse, especially cases involving members of the elder's family. Also discussed are questions that professionals must answer on their own prior to intervening, as well as situations in which the victim of abuse is also an abuser. The article suggests that reallocating resources for the elderly could be an important means of diminishing elder abuse.