NCJ Number
216014
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 50 Issue: 3 Dated: June 2006 Pages: 324-337
Date Published
June 2006
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This preliminary study probed the relationships among shame-proneness, emotions, and persistent, unwanted courting or pursuit behavior (stalking) in a college population.
Abstract
The results revealed that the college students engaged in a range of potentially intrusive behaviors following rejection of attempts to initiate a romantic relationship or upon dissolution of a relationship. Pursuit behaviors of the participants were divided into four main categories: (1) direct communication; (2) covert pursuit involving no direct communication; (3) self-harm; and (4) other-harm. Most participants engaged in direct communication or covert pursuit; very few engaged in self- or other-harm. Males were significantly more likely than females to engage in direct communication while no gender differences emerged for the likelihood to engage in covert pursuit. Females reported higher levels of anger and shame-proneness than males. Engaging in covert pursuit was related to rumination about the relationship while engagement in self-harm was related to guilt-proneness and negative emotions. The findings offer some insights into how emotions may drive different types of intrusive behaviors and stalking. Participants were a convenience sample of 222 undergraduate students enrolled in a criminology class at an Australian university. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire measuring demographics, pursuit behaviors, shame-proneness, and guilt-proneness. Data analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics. Future theoretical research and research on stalking and intrusive behaviors are recommended in order to advance the development of prevention and interventions with stalkers. Tables, references