Stalking is a pattern of unwanted contact or behavior that leads someone to feel upset, anxious , or scared for his or her safety.
What Leads to Stalking Behavior?
Stalking encompasses a desire to exert control over a victim. That drive could emerge from a romantic relationship , for instance warding off suitors or trying to win over a new partner. It could arise from the fantasy of a relationship formed entirely in the person’s mind, such as in the case of celebrity stalking. Or it could have its roots in a mental health condition, such as borderline personality disorder .
Perpetrators are often motivated to control, humiliate, frighten, manipulate, embarrass, or take revenge on the victim. Romantic motivations are also at play, such as wooing a new mate or scaring away other potential suitors.
Mental health conditions often appear in those who become stalkers—research suggests that half of one sample of stalkers had a disorder such as antisocial personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, or borderline personality disorder. Borderline is particularly prominent in women stalkers.
As researchers continue to study the topic, they’ve put forth different categories of stalking such as romantic (stalking a former partner), lust (a serial predator), love-scorned (rebuffed after expressing interest in someone), celebrity (stalking a famous figure), political (motivated by ideological agreement or disagreement), revenge (fueled by anger or resentment), and cases of murder for hire.
How to Respond to a Stalker
Stalking victims often struggle to understand and report the offense. They may believe that such behavior “isn’t that big a deal” or that “it’ll stop eventually.”
If stalking occurs after a breakup, it can be difficult to determine whether the person is struggling to move on or developing threatening tendencies. Society has also tended to romanticize the idea of a dramatic, relentless pursuit of love, which may contribute to the confusion.
Stalking ultimately crosses the line when the victim feels in danger or threatened. If they feel that their life is in jeopardy, they should call 911. Otherwise, they should report it to their local police department.
In addition to to reporting a stalker, victims can take the following steps:
The Psychological Toll of Being Stalked
Stalkers seek to wield power and gain control over their victims. Persistent communication, tracking, and threats lead the target to feel unsettled and on edge.
Stalking can lead victims to feel nervous, stressed , and anxious. They may have trouble sleeping or experience nightmares. They may lose their appetite . And they may experience symptoms of post- traumatic stress or depression .
Research suggests that many women who have been stalked experienced symptoms of depression and post- traumatic stress disorder such as hypervigilance, flashbacks, and avoidance. The unwanted behaviors most associated with those symptoms are receiving threatening calls and texts.
Victims may also take measures to protect themselves that fundamentally alter or interfere with the way they would otherwise live their lives, such as taking time away from work or school, changing jobs, or moving away.
Explore More About Stalking
For a comprehensive understanding of stalking, read our complete guide: