Introduction “stalking: what do we know about working with people who stalk and where do we go?”

Abstract

Purpose There is an absence of qualitative research with individuals who have stalked. This special issue of articles draws on one study, rich with the meaning-making of experts by experience. That is, people who have stalked, been convicted and detained in UK prisons. The purpose of this issue is to provide forensic practitioners with an overview of current considerations for intervening with individuals who stalk. It does this by drawing together empirically derived interpreted experiences of men who stalk, expanding key discussions with expert practitioners in the field, working with those who stalk. It highlights current thinking on the psychology of stalking and multidisciplinary options for risk management. Furthermore, it provides an overview of necessary future directions. Design/methodology/approach Research findings from a recent, novel, mixed methods study (Wheatley, 2019 and Wheatleya et al., 2020) are discussed with other experienced stalking practitioners in the UK for reflection and discussion. The papers synthesise the research findings, existing psychological literature and practitioner experience to discuss implications for psychological practice with those who stalk. Findings The key findings resonated with current practitioners, providing a springboard for expanding thinking around stalking and crucial themes such as narcissistic vulnerability, deterrence, labelling and developing alternative meaningful activities. Research limitations/implications In providing this marriage of experiential expert insights, this Special Issue advances the practice of psychology in relation to those who stalk, having clear applications to the processes of risk assessment, intervention and management. Pivotally, how to enhance engagement opportunities to develop working and therapeutic relationships. Originality/value This issue introduces new subtopics, some of which have never been written about before. It provides discussion papers marrying research with practitioner experience, with a focus on practical applications within criminal psychology and future directions.

Unveiling the shadows: Investigating the interplay of stalking and sexual homicide—A case study

“…Interestingly, a diagnosis of psychopathy was not found in any of the presented cases, even though all culminated in extreme violence and motivations for gaining control and dominance was noted in some perpetrators (Storey et al, 2009). Finally, while we found that personality disorders were rare, personality disorder traits were noted which supports wider literature findings (Wheatley, 2023 The exploratory case study analysis revealed common themes across the cases:…”

“…With regards to risk, each case had at least one risk factor from each risk category that is, the red flags, general risk, and risk specific to the stalking type. Overall, there was a low prevalence of mental illness and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) which is in line with wider research suggesting that majority of those who stalk do not suffer from serious mental illness or ASD, although those with ASD traits may present in cases when a person aims to establish an intimate relationship in the context of inadequate social functioning (Mcguire & Wraith, 2000;Wheatley, 2023). Although Wheatley (2023) notes that ASD traits would most commonly be found in incompetent suitors, in our sample this was the case for the resentful stalker.…”

“…Overall, there was a low prevalence of mental illness and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) which is in line with wider research suggesting that majority of those who stalk do not suffer from serious mental illness or ASD, although those with ASD traits may present in cases when a person aims to establish an intimate relationship in the context of inadequate social functioning (Mcguire & Wraith, 2000;Wheatley, 2023). Although Wheatley (2023) notes that ASD traits would most commonly be found in incompetent suitors, in our sample this was the case for the resentful stalker. Interestingly, a diagnosis of psychopathy was not found in any of the presented cases, even though all culminated in extreme violence and motivations for gaining control and dominance was noted in some perpetrators (Storey et al, 2009).…”

“…The aim of this paper was to present stalking behaviour within the sexual homicide cases whilst applying SRP tool (MacKenzie et al, 2009) as well as to examine the presence of risk factors for violence (as opposed to persistence or reoccurrence) in each sexual homicide case. Although the rejected type is most commonly seen within forensic settings (Wheatley, 2023), the study was able to identify and present all types of stalkers noted in the classification system of the SRP (Mullen et al, 1999). With regards to risk, each case had at least one risk factor from each risk category that is, the red flags, general risk, and risk specific to the stalking type.…”

Cyber intimate partner aggression in adulthood: the role of insecure attachment and self-control

“…Thus, while there is potential for ICTs to be used positively in intimate relationships (e.g., keeping in contact when apart), ICT may also be used negatively (e.g., invading privacy, covert monitoring) (Wright, 2015). Both offline and cyber IPA includes behaviors such as threats, insults, humiliation, excessive monitoring, tracking, stalking and omnipresence intended to control, distress, or isolate a partner (Borrajo et al, 2015;Creamer & Hand, 2022;Sheridan, 2023;Wheatley, 2023;Woodlock, 2017). Yet cyber IPA and reallife IPA are distinguishable by a number of features.…”