Stranger and intimate stalking : psychological and psychophysiological responses in victims during direct and indirect threat

A review of the literature in the area of stalking and victims of stalking was undertaken. Stalking is defined as a course of conduct in which one individual inflicts on another repeated unwanted intrusions and communications, to such an extent that the victim fears for their safety (Path& & Mullen, 1997). Some psychological research has removed the criteria of a fear response in the victim for participant inclusion. Demographic data indicate risk groups for being stalked are females, young adults, college students and health professionals. Research into motivation of stalkers found that most stalkers act out of a desire to initiate or re-establish an intimate relationship with the target. A small minority of stalkers are motivated by revenge, a desire to invoke fear or a desire for sexual gratification. Research on effects of stalking on victims has documented that somatic complaints, depressive symptoms, heightened anxiety and PTSD has been found in victims of stalking. Research into stalking is still at an early stage, and further empirically based research is needed to clarify and consolidate these findings