Stalking Victims Psychological Profiles

Abstract

Stalking is a persistent pattern of unwanted attention, monitoring, threats, harassment, or contact that induces fear and psychological distress. Victims often experience long-term emotional, cognitive, and behavioral trauma similar to survivors of violent crime. This study examines psychological profiles of stalking victims based on coping strategies, trauma symptoms, interpersonal patterns, and demographic vulnerabilities. Using a hypothetical dataset across the United Kingdom, India, and Italy, the study identifies common psychological outcomes including hypervigilance, identity disruption, distrust, somatic anxiety, and maladaptive coping. Findings suggest that victims form distinct trauma profiles shaped by stalker relationship type (ex-partner vs stranger), threat intensity, social support, and law-enforcement response. A multi-layer clinical assessment model is proposed.