The influence of contextual information regarding the breakdown of relationships and perpetrator-target sex composition on perceptions of relational stalking |
| |
| Authors: | Adrian J Scott Simon C Duff Lorraine Sheridan Nikki Rajakaruna |
| |
| Institution: | 1. Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, UK;2. School of Arts and Humanities, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australiaa.scott@gold.ac.uk;4. School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK;5. School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia;6. School of Arts and Humanities, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia |
| |
| Abstract: | ABSTRACTThe 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. |
| |
| Keywords: | Relational stalking perceptions prior relationship relationship breakdown intimate aggression |
|
|
