Graduation Date
1996
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Arts degree with a major in Sociology
Committee Chair Name
Dr. Jerrald D. Krause
Committee Chair Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Dr. Elizabeth Watson
Keywords
Sociology
Subject Categories
Sociology
Abstract
This paper proposes that, in placing an emphasis on quantitative measurements of certain situational and relational stress factors, existing research in the field of familial elderly abuse has neglected the importance of addressing the dynamics of violent relationships. As such, the role of self-esteem in violent interaction has not only remained an elusive concept, it has necessarily been given less emphasis. Drawing upon the works of Denzin (1984, 1989), Jackson (1984), Scheff (1970, 1990a, 1990b), and Scheff and Retzinger (1991), the present study proffers an innovative, composite methodological approach for overcoming these past oversights; one which serves to complement existing research efforts. This approach presumes that a focused, qualitative, life-historical accounting may best reveal the developmental process of an individual's specific behavioral patterns. A detailed analysis of a representative case study is presented as a demonstration of the feasibility of this research approach. A subsequent discussion of the findings of this case study suggests that low self-esteem may be linked to the abusive cycle, as well as any number or combination of stress related variables. The significance of this type of research agenda lies in its implications for developing intervention and prevention programs which serve to promote higher levels of self-esteem for individuals on three levels: before, during, and after abuse. If we are able to outline even the most minimal intervention strategies for the present, perhaps more effective long-term prevention strategies may evolve for the future.
Recommended Citation
Jordan, Patricia, "The Interactional Nature of Familial Elderly Abuse: A Study in the Sociology of Emotion" (1996). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2452.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2452