Understanding perceptions of stalking: the impact of additional contextual information regarding the breakdown of relationships
| Published date | 20 September 2013 |
| Date | 20 September 2013 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JCP-09-2012-0005 |
| Pages | 136-144 |
| Author | Simon C. Duff,Adrian J. Scott |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Public policy & environmental management,Sociology |
Understanding perceptions of stalking: the
impact of additional contextual information
regarding the breakdown of relationships
Simon C. Duff and Adrian J. Scott
Dr Simon C. Duff is the Director
of top-up D. Forens is based at
Centre for Forensic and Family
Psychology, IWHO, University
of Nottingham, Nottingham,
UK.
Dr Adrian J. Scott is a Lecturer
based at Sellenger Centre,
School of Law and Justice,
Edith Cowan University,
Joondalup, Australia.
Abstract
Purpose – Perception research has demonstrated that people view stranger stalkers to be more persistent
and dangerous than ex-partner stalkers. Although these findings are consistent with the outcome of legal
processes where stranger stalkers are more likely to be convicted,they contrast with the findings of national
surveys and applied research where ex-partner stalkers represent the most persistent and dangerous
relational subtype. The aim of the current study is to further examine the influence of prior relationship on
perceptions of stalking by considering the impact of additional contextual information regarding the
breakdown of ex-partners’ relationships for the first time.
Design/methodology/approach – In this vignette study 180 women were randomly assigned to one of
seven conditions and asked to complete five 11-point Likert scale items relating to another person’s
behaviour. The relationship between that person and themselves was manipulated across the seven
conditions so that the person was described as either a stranger, an acquaintance, an ex-partner or an
ex-partner with additional contextual information regarding the breakdown of the relationship.
Findings – Participants were less likely to perceive behaviour as stalking or as requiring police intervention,
and were more likely to perceive themselves as responsible, when the other person wasportrayed as an ex-
partner rather than a stranger. However, perceptions of ex-partners differed considerably when contextual
information regarding the breakdown of the relationship was provided.
Practical implications – The findings have important implications for victims of stalking and the legal
system. Examining the influence of prior relationship on perceptions of stalking when additional contextual
information is provided can be used to better inform potential victims so as to reduce the risk of serious
harm. Additionally, the influence this information has on perceptions of ex-partner stalkers may have
implications for how the legal system understands and deals with ex-partner stalking cases.
Social implications – The findings have important implications for victims of stalking and the legal system.
Examining the influence of prior relationship on perceptions of stalking when additional contextual
information is provided can be used to better inform potential victims so as to reduce the risk of serious
harm. Additionally, the influence this information has on perceptions of ex-partner stalkers may have
implications for how the legal system understands and deals with ex-partner stalking cases.
Originality/value – Previous research has demonstrated that perceptions of stalking are influenced by the
prior relationship between the stalker and the victim. This has implications for the conviction of stalkers and
intervention for stalkers and victims. This research demonstrates that with limited contextual information
outlining the reason for relationship breakdown the perceptions of stalking change. This finding may be of
value to individuals who do not recognise they are at risk and to the legal system.
Keywords Perceptions, Prior relationship, Relationship breakdown, Stalking
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Psychology has examined various aspects of the stalking phenomenon since the inception of
the first anti-stalking law in 1990 in California and research has demonstrated that perceptions
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JOURNAL OF CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGY
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VOL. 3 NO. 2 2013, pp. 136-144, CEmerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 2009-3829 DOI 10.1108/JCP-09-2012-0005
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