Is it Stalking?

Abstract

Perceptions of stalking behavior vary tremendously, yet the factors that influence these perceptions are largely unknown. This article reports on two studies that analyzed individual and situational variables that may influence perceptions of stalking using hypothetical vignettes that varied the gender of the perpetrator and target. The first study varied the nature of the relationship between perpetrator and target while holding constant the stalking behavior. The second study manipulated the degree of seriousness of the stalking behavior according to New York’s stalking law. Gender of the perpetrator strongly influenced several of the safety variables, with male stalkers producing concern for the target’s safety. Determinations of stalking were more likely when the characters had no prior relationship and when the behavior was more serious. Findings suggest that situational variables may influence perceptions of whether behavior constitutes stalking and the assessments of risk or violence potential.

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