Risk Factors for Online and In-person Stalking, Intrusive Harassment, and Violence within a Community Sample

Authors

Elisha J. C. Chan, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

First Advisor

Mario J. Scalora

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Department

Psychology

Date of this Version

7-26-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Citation

A dissertation presented to the faculty of the Graduate College of the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy

Major: Psychology

Under the supervision of Professor Mario J. Scalora

Lincoln, Nebraska, July 2024

Comments

Copyright 2024, Elisha J. C. Chan. Used by permission

Abstract

Stalking and intrusive harassment (SIH) and stalking violence are prevalent and serious public health concerns associated with significant physical, psychological, financial, and social consequences. The growing proliferation of technology and the internet has only exacerbated the problem as SIH behaviors can be easily perpetrated via electronic means. Given its prevalence and negative impact, it is imperative to investigate the risk factors for online and in-person SIH and stalking violence to better predict and mitigate its detrimental effects. The current study therefore aimed to 1) examine the descriptive characteristics associated with online and in-person SIH and stalking violence; and 2) identify shared and differential risk factors for online and in-person SIH, as well as minor (e.g., slapping, pushing, throwing an object) and severe (e.g., kicking, choking, burning, using a weapon, forcing into sexual activities) stalking violence, in a community sample. Towards these aims, 561 participants completed an online survey comprised of a battery of self-report measures that assessed various predisposing (i.e., demographic, historical, psychological, dispositional, cognitive, and affective) and contextual factors (e.g., substance use, negative affect) and engagement in SIH and stalking violence. A little less than half of the sample reported perpetrating SIH, with most engaging in both online and in-person SIH (i.e., mixed SIH). Approximately one-third of these harassers/stalkers endorsed engaging in some form of stalking violence. Overall, various predisposing and contextual risk factors were associated with SIH and stalking violence, with those exhibiting more extreme or elevated levels of the relevant risk factors being more likely to engage in mixed SIH and potentially more serious stalking violence (e.g., choking, using a weapon). Notably, the findings of this study demonstrated the critical importance of considering both predisposing and contextual risk factors together to enhance risk assessment and management efforts. Additionally, the current study emphasized the importance of assessing for online SIH, especially when perpetrated in conjunction with in-person SIH, as it was associated with a heightened risk for potentially more serious stalking violence. This is crucial given the continued proliferation and advancement of technology and electronic communication. The findings from this study present significant implications for the development and implementation of relevant law, policy, and evidence-based risk assessment and intervention strategies.

Advisor: Mario J. Scalora

Recommended Citation

Chan, Elisha J. C., "Risk Factors for Online and In-person Stalking, Intrusive Harassment, and Violence within a Community Sample" (2024). Dissertations and Doctoral Documents from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–. 139.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissunl/139