A rapid evidence assessment of psychological treatment approaches for stalking behaviour

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to provide practitioners with a brief but comprehensive review of the current evidence base for psychological treatment approaches used in the UK that may be useful for stalking therapies. Design/methodology/approach A rapid evidence assessment was conducted on papers (post the UK Protection from Harassment Act, 1997) that discuss treatments of stalking (with or without a conviction) and associated offences/disorders. Therapies reviewed were Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Schema Therapy. Searches for Mentalization-Based Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy in relation to stalking were also performed but yielded no results that met inclusion criteria. Findings There is currently a severely limited evidence base for the efficacy of the psychological treatment of stalking behaviours. Some interventions show promise although a multifaceted, formulation-based approach is likely to be required. Practical implications Future research would benefit from robust studies focused on stalking with long-term efficacy follow-ups. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first rapid evidence review of psychological treatments that directly address stalking behaviour.

Stalking: Issues of deterrence “When I was stalking, I was so dedicated to it. Nothing would stop me. It was my focus.”

“…A second rapid evidence assessment conducted by Leigh (2021) integrated all forms of evaluative studies, including case studies. Similarly, it was concluded that research into the psychological treatment of stalking and relevant underlying factors remains in its infancy (Birch et al , 2018; MacKenzie and James, 2011; Purcell and McEwan, 2018).…”

“…Each person who stalks will engage in this behaviour in the context of their situation, personality and maladaptive coping modes; stalking results from an event or situation combined with a psychological vulnerability (Purcell and McEwan, 2018; Siepelmeyer and Ortiz‐Müller, 2020). The multifaceted nature of, and motivations for, stalking necessitates a multifaceted approach (Leigh, 2021). Without definitive direction from available research, we would agree that an evidence directed therapist approach to working with those who stalk is essential, applying best practice whilst engaging in case-specific evaluation of outcomes (Davies and Nagi, 2017).…”