Psychological experiences of the abused elderly

บทคัดย่อ

Objectives This research was aimed to study the mental experiences and cope with suffering of the old aged people from the violence.
Materials and methods This research was a qualitative research method of phenomena. Data providers consisted of 11 elderly who experienced violence. Data were collected by using the in-dept 
interview in 3 areas, i.e., Banbangkhae social welfare development center, Banbangkhae 2 shelter and Patumthani social welfare development center for older persons from July to November 2011. 
Results The average age of elderly who was abused both physically and mentally was 69.4 years. They were abused during 3 months to 10 years. They had 5 types of violence experiences which were neglected feeling about life, isolated feeling, hopelessness, lament for the past and waiting for the future. Moreover, they had 6 ways for facing these problems which were facing reality, seeking help, perceiving it as karma, forgiveness, no retribution, making up their mind and leaving their troubles in the past. 
Conclusion The two negative feeling were shown in themselves. However, they had 2 ways for coping mechanisms which; healing in mind facing reality, perceiving the problem as karma, forgive-ness, no retribution, making up their mind and leaving their troubles in the past. Seeking help was external mechanism; could relieve their mental suffering.