Harvey, Nicole C.
(2021)
Every breath you take: an exploration of perceptions of stalking and the consequences of stalking victimization.
DForenPsy thesis, University of Nottingham.
Abstract
This thesis explores the criminal offence of stalking. Chapter One introduces the existing literature on the topic of stalking with reference to males as perpetrators and females as victims. This is by far the most prevalent stalking context (Tjaden & Thoennes, 1998). Chapter Two details a quantitative study examining the effect of relationship type, stalking myth endorsement, and participant gender on victim and perpetrator blame using a cross-sectional experimental design. Results found that relationship type did not impact victim or perpetrator blame. A positive correlation was identified between overall stalking myth endorsement and victim blame and a negative correlation between overall stalking myth endorsement and perpetrator blame. Furthermore, results revealed that males endorsed significantly more stalking myths than females, although this did not lead to significant differences in victim and perpetrator blaming between the genders. Results are discussed with reference to the implications for training, education, and awareness. Chapter Three critiques the use of the vignette methodology. It was found that vignettes can be highly effective in yielding valid and reliable outcomes, but that several factors must be taken into consideration prior to dissemination. The critique also highlights the need for vignettes to be carefully constructed in order that they meet the aims of the studies they serve. Chapter Four presents a systematic review of eight studies, each identifying potential risk factors for victims of stalking developing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. The review identifies a number of potential risk factors including the ways in which victims cope with their victimisation, victims’ perceptions of social support, the severity of stalking, and victims’ forgiveness. Outcomes of the review are considered critical in developing interventions for female victims of stalking, or females at risk of stalking victimization, in order to reduce the traumatic impact of stalking perpetration. No such help was offered to or accessed by case study, BB – a female victim of stalking – following her experience of stalking victimization perpetrated by an ex-intimate partner. The effectiveness of a schema-based intervention in addressing some of the symptoms of trauma resulting from stalking victimization is discussed based on a single case study, BB, in Chapter Five. Schema mode therapy appeared to reduce BB’s agoraphobia and social isolation, and improve her assertiveness and ability to regulate her emotions. The extent to which BB was made vulnerable to intimate partner violence as a result of her traumatic childhood is explored. Finally, Chapter Six concludes the thesis by discussing the clinical and theoretical implications of the research in Chapters Two to Five, as well as acknowledging its limitations and making considered recommendations for future research.
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