Olga Khokhlova

Aims Given the risk of developing vicarious trauma through news media has increased during the pandemic, we explored risk factors associated with media induced secondary trauma, and its behavioral and psychological implications. Methods An international study ( N = 1066), with a diverse sample, was administered in July 2020. We used standardized and validated questionnaires to measure news consumption, media-related trauma, compliance, and paranoia. Results Greater frequency of news consumption, accessing news via social media and WHO, and believing in conspiracy theories increased likelihood of developing media-induced secondary trauma. News related trauma was associated with greater compliance with safety measures and increased paranoid ideation. Media-trauma however exhibited a greater association with paranoia than compliance. Conclusion Findings highlight the need to facilitate a collaborative intervention, with public, media houses, health safety officials, and social scientists to have a deeper understanding of potential psychological costs of news consumption patterns.

Objective The current study aimed to examine how Asian adults perceive the severity of elder financial abuse (EFA) based on victim–perpetrator relationship and the explanations they give for minimizing it when the perpetrator is a close family member. Background Financial abuse, one of the fastest growing forms of abuse in the elderly population, has remained understudied, especially in Asian communities, due to cultural variations in its definition and perception. Method A mixed‐methods study design was utilized. One hundred sixty‐four participants responded to two vignettes depicting EFA perpetrated by a close family member (son) and nonfamily member (neighbor). Results Paired samples t test found significant differences in severity ratings of EFA committed by son and neighbor within Asian adults. The qualitative report explored participants' explanations for minimizing EFA perpetrated by close family member using thematic analysis, which identified two major themes: (a) dismissal of severity and responsibility and (2) justification of abuse. Conclusion This is one of the few studies to provide valuable insight into the influence of culture on perceptions of elder abuse. Implications With the elderly population in Asia increasing steadily, culturally relevant risk factors of abuse need to be identified because this could guide legal provisions that help protect the rights of older individuals.