Stalking Related Attitudes and Engagement in Stalking Behavior

• In Event: Stalking and Aggression Among Couples

Abstract

High prevalence rates of stalking highlight the need for further research to assess the relationship between stalking related attitudes and stalking behaviors. The current study aims to explore the relationship between the endorsement of stalking myths and self-reported stalking behaviors in a college campus setting. A sample of 860 college students at a large, midwestern university completed survey materials including the Stalking Related Attitudes Questionnaire and a perpetrator modification of the Obsessive Relational Intrusion measure. Analyses revealed significant correlations between greater endorsement of stalking myths and more frequent engagement in stalking behaviors such as physical following (r= .13, p= .001 ), watching (r= .12, p= .001), invading personal space (r= .14, p < .001), monitoring activities (r= .11 p= .003), physically approaching or surprising (r= .11, p= .005), and covertly obtaining personal information (r= .15 p < .001). Additionally, mean comparisons reveal that individuals who have engaged in these behaviors demonstrate greater endorsement of stalking myths (F= 4.84, p= .03), more specifically, on myths suggesting stalking is not serious (F= 5.91, p= .02) and myths related to victim blame (F= 5.81, p= .02). A predictive model will be discussed and implications for intervention strategies will be highlighted.

Authors

• Jessica Semmann, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• Kyle Siddoway, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• Rosa Viñas-Racionero, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• Mario J. Scalora, University of Nebraska-Lincoln