NCJ Number
147806
Journal
Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice Volume: 9 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1993) Pages: 317-327
Date Published
1993
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Even though many States have enacted laws to combat stalking, little is known about the mentality of stalkers and behavioral and psychological factors influencing their actions.
Abstract
Stalking takes many forms, including phone calls, letters, and personal confrontations, and certain stalking methods have become an integral part of the act. Stalking has only recently become an area of examination by those interested in the criminal mind. Academic literature has focused on stalkers in the context of a medical model. Only recently, research has examined stalking from a behavioral perspective. As evident in any type of human behavior, people behave differently based on motivational factors and anticipated gains. These variations in behavior stem from many constitutional and/or experiential factors. A typology of stalkers is presented that incorporates victims, selection, motivation, anticipated gain, intended fatal violence, and sex. The author believes stalking is a social condition that needs to be detected early before violence ensues. 19 references and 3 tables