Perceptions of Stalking: The Impact of Threat Level and Victim Response

Abstract

Because of varying legal definitions across jurisdictions, factors that influence judgments of what constitutes stalking are important to identify. In this study, participants (N = 147) were randomly assigned to read 1 of 4 vignettes involving a hypothetical case of stalking, stemming from a 2 (threat level: explicit vs. implicit) × 2 (victim response: fear vs. anger) between-subjects factorial design. Overall, when the threat was implicit or the victim responded with anger, participants were less inclined to view the scenario as representative of stalking. An interaction further revealed that when the threat was explicit, participants were more likely to rate the perpetrator's behavior as severe when the victim responded with fear, as opposed to anger. Implications are discussed.

Stalking victimization in Portugal: Prevalence, characteristics, and impact

“…Indeed, in a recent study about stalking perceptions, Uhl, Rhyner, Terrance, and Plumm (2017) concluded that people usually rated vignettes as stalking when the interaction involved fear and explicit threat.…”

Social perceptions of stalking in Spain: The behaviour’s seriousness and legal response

“…There is even less information on social perceptions of stalking. Although relatively plentiful in English-speaking countries (Cass and Mallicoat, 2015; Duff and Scott, 2013; Gavin and Scott, 2016; Scott et al, 2010; Scott et al, 2014; Scott et al, 2018; Uhl et al, 2017), the information for continental European countries is scant (De Fazio et al, 2015; Kamphuis et al, 2005; Matos and Sheridan, 2015; Modena Group on Stalking, 2005; Sheridan et al, 2017), particularly measurements of perceptions of stalking based on case scenarios. Given the high prevalence of stalking on university campuses (Baum et al, 2009; Bjerregaard, 2000; Feltes et al, 2012; National Union of Students, 2011), research that explores the perceptions of stalking by university students is merited, because it can highlight prejudices and stereotypes regarding gender and relationships and also inform us about the perceived effectiveness of the criminal justice system.…”