The influence of contextual information regarding the breakdown of relationships and perpetrator-target sex composition on perceptions of relational stalking
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Psychology
Publisher
Taylor & Francis Group
School
School of Arts and Humanities
RAS ID
30769
Abstract
The present study examines the influence of prior relationship (with contextual information regarding the breakdown of the relationship) and perpetrator-target sex composition on perceptions of relational stalking. The study employed an experimental 7 × 2 independent measures design, and the sample comprised 1,260 members of the community residing in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Participants received one of 14 versions of a hypothetical scenario and responded to scale items concerning the situation described. The situation was perceived to be most serious when the perpetrator was a stranger or a physically violent ex-partner and least serious when the perpetrator was an ex-partner of an unfaithful target. Scenarios involving a male perpetrator and a female victim were also perceived to be more serious than scenarios involving a female perpetrator and a male target. It is apparent therefore that the context of the relationship breakdown and the sex of the perpetrator and target significantly influence perceptions of relational stalking.
DOI
10.1080/1068316X.2018.1529231
Access Rights
subscription content
Comments
Scott, A. J., Duff, S. C., Sheridan, L., & Rajakaruna, N. (2019). The influence of contextual information regarding the breakdown of relationships and perpetrator-target sex composition on perceptions of relational stalking. Psychology, Crime & Law, 25(4), 364-380. Available here