A Structural Path Analysis of Elder Abuse: Mediating Role of Depression in the Link between Multiple Hardships and Abuse Risk

This study analyzed the mediating effect of depression in the relationship between the four major hardships experienced by older adults—namely, physical illness, economic hardship, loneliness, and loss of social role—and their experience of elder abuse. Using data from the 6th National Survey on the Living Conditions of Elderly People (2023), a total of 9,951 individuals aged 65 and over were included in the final analysis after excluding non-responses. Structural equation modeling (SEM), path analysis, and bootstrapping techniques were employed to verify the causal pathways and mediating effects among the variables. The results showed that all four hardship factors had a statistically significant positive effect on depression, and depression, in turn, had a significant positive effect on the experience of elder abuse. However, the direct effects of each hardship factor on elder abuse were not statistically significant, confirming that depression serves as a full mediator. These findings support the Affective Vulnerability Model, which posits that emotional vulnerability plays a more direct role in elder abuse than external stressors themselves. Therefore, proactive interventions and the establishment of psychosocial support systems that consider the emotional well-being of older adults are essential. Alongside improving physical and economic conditions, it is also necessary to implement depression screening and intervention programs.