Stalking: developing an empirical typology to classify stalkers

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Criminology
• Sociology

Background:

• Stalking is a prevalent issue with significant harm to victims.
• Existing stalker typologies often lack empirical grounding.
• Research is needed to empirically examine stalking behaviors and motivations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an empirically-based typology of stalkers.
• To classify stalkers based on victim perceptions of their behaviors.
• To identify distinct patterns in stalking motivations and relationship dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Factor analysis of victim perceptions of stalking behaviors.
• Cluster analysis to group identified factors into typologies.
• Study participants: 108 female college students who experienced stalking.

Main Results:

• A four-cluster typology of stalkers was identified: Harmless, Low Threat, Violent Criminal, and High Threat.
• The 'Harmless' cluster exhibited casual, less jealous behaviors.
• The 'Low Threat' cluster showed minimal risk of violence or illegal acts.
• The 'Violent Criminal' cluster presented the highest risk of physical threats and illegal actions.
• The 'High Threat' cluster indicated a more serious relationship type and potential restrictiveness.

Conclusions:

• Victim perceptions can effectively differentiate stalker typologies.
• The identified typology provides a framework for understanding and potentially predicting stalker behavior.
• Further research can refine these categories and inform intervention strategies.