Undue Influence - Basic Types
There are two basic types of undue influence:
The first form of undue influence is as a type of coercion - that is, if the victim could discuss his feelings, he would say, "this is not my wish, but I must do it" [a definition taken from the classic legal case "Wingrove v. Wingrove," 11 Prob. Div. 81 (U.K. 1885)].
The second form of undue influence is “false goodwill” (or "covert coercion") – that is, the betrayal of a trusting relationship. This takes two forms: 1) portraying unintended benevolence by the perpetrator; and 2) generating undeserved goodwill from the victim. "False goodwill" is a more insidious, and more common, type of undue influence. In fact, one of the ancient names for undue influence translates as "Theft of Knowledge" and "Theft of Intimacy" – reflecting the combination of deception and betrayal that characterizes this type of manipulation.
Links:
Who is susceptible/vulnerable to undue influence? (The answers may surprise you.)
How to assess for undue influence.
Elder Abuse, Financial Loss, and Undue Influence: FAQs.
Download articles and the "Undue Influence Worksheet" by Dr. Blum.
