SOCIAL REPRESENTATION OF PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL VIOLENCE AND ABANDONMENT FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF ELDERLY PEOPLE

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To understand the perception of the elderly regarding physical violence, psychological violence, and abandonment.

Method:

A cross-sectional, descriptive study with a qualitative approach based on the Theory of Social Representations. Developed with elderly people registered at a Basic Health Unit in Campina Grande-PB, Brazil, between April and May 2022 through data collection based on a semi-structured interview.

Results:

14 elderly people participated, 86% (12) of whom were female and aged between 61 and 83. The results showed that the elderly are aware of the typologies discussed, with psychological violence being the least understood by them; about abandonment, the elderly described it as loneliness and asylum.

Conclusion:

This study allowed the concept of violence to be understood by the elderly, which contributes substantially to health actions, especially by nursing professionals in the identification and assertive intervention.

KEYWORDS:
Aged; Violence; Qualitative Research; Social Representation; Primary Health Care

HIGHLIGHTS

To help nurses recognize violence against the elderly.

Encourage the improvement of the bond with the patient.

Understanding the elderly person’s perception of violence.

Ensuring that the elderly know about their rights.