Emotional abuse in the elderly primarily involves which of the following?

Emotional abuse in the elderly is predominantly characterized by psychological manipulation. This form of abuse involves the use of words and actions to inflict emotional pain or distress. It may manifest through behaviors such as intimidation, humiliation, isolation, or verbal assaults. The impact of psychological manipulation can be profound, leading to feelings of worthlessness, deep anxiety, and depression in the affected individuals.

While other forms of abuse, such as financial control or physical harm, can coexist, they do not specifically represent the essence of emotional abuse. Social neglect can also be a factor, as it might contribute to an elderly person’s feelings of being uncared for or unvalued, but the core of emotional abuse lies more directly in the manipulation of emotions and psychological well-being. Thus, understanding the defining characteristics of emotional abuse is crucial for effective prevention and intervention.