Stalking Related Attitudes and Engagement in Problematic Sexual Behavior

• In Event: Poster Session II

Abstract

Rising rates of cyber-stalking indicate a need for research to assess the relationship between stalking related attitudes and cyberstalking behaviors, particularly unwanted sexual cyberstalking behaviors. The current study explores the relationship between the endorsement of stalking myths, and self-reported cyber-stalking behaviors. 860 students at a Midwestern university completed a survey which included the Stalking Attitudes Questionnaire and a perpetrator Cyber Obsessive Relational Intrusion measure. Analyses revealed significant correlations between greater endorsement of stalking myths, and more frequent engagement in cyber stalking behaviors such as, but not limited to, exaggerated messages of affection (r=.087, p=.02), and sending pornographic (r=.118, p=.002), obscene (r=.210, p<.000), or sexually harassing messages (r=.210, p<.000). Mean comparisons showed that individuals who have engaged in sexually based cyber stalking behaviors show greater endorsement of stalking myths generally (F(1,708)=10.837, p=.001) and more specifically on myths suggesting stalking is not serious (F(1,735)=19.059, p<.000) and myths related to victim blame (F(1,762)=4.150, p=.042). There was no mean differences among endorsement of stalking myths for non-sexual cyber stalking behaviors (F(1,705)=2.509, p=.114). To further explore the relationship of stalking myth acceptance and problematic sexual behavior, an examination of general sexual aggression and coercion related to stalking myth acceptance and intervention implications will be discussed.

Authors

• Kyle Siddoway, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• Jessica Semmann, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• Rosa Viñas-Racionero, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• Mario J. Scalora, University of Nebraska-Lincoln