research-article

Predicting perpetration of intimate partner cyberstalking

Authors:

Melissa Smoker,

Evita MarchAuthors Info & Claims

Computers in Human Behavior, Volume 72, Issue C

Pages 390 - 396

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2017.03.012

Published: 01 July 2017 Publication History

Abstract

Stalking behaviours performed against former and current intimate partners account for the majority of reported stalking situations, are continuously increasing, and can result in physical, psychological, and financial distress. The rise of technology has led to increased access to personal information and thus has facilitated the ease of stalking an intimate partner online (i.e., cyberstalking). However, the literature indicates a lack of clarity regarding predictive factors of perpetration of intimate partner cyberstalking behaviour. The current study aimed to predict perpetration of intimate partner cyberstalking from the variables of gender and Dark Tetrad personality traits (i.e., Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, and sadism). Participants (N=689; 30% men, 70% women) completed an online questionnaire. Gender was a significant predictor of intimate partner cyberstalking, with women being more likely to engage in this behaviour. All Dark Tetrad traits were found to be significant predictors of intimate partner cyberstalking. Results of the current study contribute to the growing body of literature on personality and online behaviours. Identification of factors that influence individuals to engage in intimate partner cyberstalking could be beneficial in cyberstalking interventions. Limited research has explored perpetration of intimate partner cyberstalking.Predicted perpetration of intimate partner cyberstalking from gender and personality.Women more likely to perpetrate intimate partner cyberstalking than men.All Dark Tetrad traits positively associated with intimate partner cyberstalking.Results have implications for cyberstalking interventions.

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Mayshak RHoward DBenstead MKlas ASkvarc DHarries TPatafio BSleep AKing RHyder S(2023)Dating in the darkComputers in Human Behavior10.1016/j.chb.2023.107680143:COnline publication date: 1-Jun-2023
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Lauder CMarch E(2023)Catching the catfishComputers in Human Behavior10.1016/j.chb.2022.107599140:COnline publication date: 1-Mar-2023
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cover image Computers in Human Behavior

Computers in Human Behavior Volume 72, Issue C

July 2017

816 pages

ISSN:0747-5632

Issue’s Table of Contents

Copyright © Elsevier Ltd.

Publisher

Elsevier Science Publishers B. V.

Netherlands

Publication History

Published: 01 July 2017

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https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.4018/IJSMOC.324104
Mayshak RHoward DBenstead MKlas ASkvarc DHarries TPatafio BSleep AKing RHyder S(2023)Dating in the darkComputers in Human Behavior10.1016/j.chb.2023.107680143:COnline publication date: 1-Jun-2023
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1016/j.chb.2023.107680
Lauder CMarch E(2023)Catching the catfishComputers in Human Behavior10.1016/j.chb.2022.107599140:COnline publication date: 1-Mar-2023
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1016/j.chb.2022.107599
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