Unwanted attention: The psychological impact of cyberstalking on its survivors

Rensburg, Shandré Kim Jansen van

doi:10.1080/14330237.2017.1321858

Cited by 9 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Research among university students has indicated greater rates of general psychological distress and changes in routines and behaviors as a result of experiencing stalking (Amar, 2006). Studies among young adults in South Africa (Jansen van Rensburg, 2017), stalking survivors in the Netherlands (Blaauw et al, 2002), and female university students in Canada (Cripps & Stermac, 2018) have found more specific negative psychological and emotional impacts on the survivor’s mental health, including anxiety, fear, depression, hypervigilance, among other impacts. Stalking by an intimate partner has also been linked to work disruption and poor performance at work (Logan et al, 2007).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding Stalking Among University Students in Ghana: A Mixed-Methods Study

Zagurny

Compton

Dzomeku

et al. 2021

J Interpers Violence

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The purpose of this study is to explore experiences of stalking behaviors among midwifery students at one Ghanaian university, as well as their association with mental health disorders. Specifically, this study had the following three aims: (a) to identify the frequency of stalking experiences in this population; (b) to explore mental health symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, within this population; and (c) to better understand intervention opportunities related to stalking, including bystander intervention and use of available resources. The study utilized an exploratory mixed-methods design with surveys ( n = 118) and focus group discussions ( n = 2 with 16 participants) with midwifery students recruited from a centrally located Ghanaian university campus in July of 2018 using convenience sampling. Results indicate a large percentage (80.3%) of participants have experienced stalking behavior(s) within the last six months. Multiple regression analyses demonstrate a statistically significant relationship between any stalking behaviors and depressive symptomatology as well as between unwanted monitoring/following and anxiety. This was reinforced by focus group discussions in which participants discussed the themes of: (a) types of stalking, with a heavy emphasis on using technology for unwanted following/monitoring; (b) positive versus negative perceptions of stalking intentions, where some types of monitoring and following could be seen as forms of flattery or interest; and (c) barriers to seeking help that focused on stigma, cultural barriers, systemic barriers, and personal barriers. Future research should delve more deeply into barriers to existing resources to identify ways to increase accessibility for stalking survivors in connection with mental health services. This study also highlights the need for additional research to more clearly understand stalking in Ghana so that interventions can begin to address mental health services, healthy relationships, communication, and consent.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%