Psychopathology of Stalking Offenders: Examining the Clinical, Demographic, and Stalking Characteristics of a Community-Based Sample

Abstract

This study examined the correlates of stalking behavior and psychopathology among stalking offenders assessed using a rigorous diagnostic tool. A total of 137 stalking offenders were interviewed and diagnosed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I and Axis II Disorders. Analyses examined the extent to which stalking behaviors and offender characteristics differed across diagnostic groups. Study participants were African American (29%), Hispanic (28%), or Caucasian (28%), and had an average age of 36 years old (SD = 11). The most common instant offenses were stalking/harassment (53%) and violation of an order of protection or criminal contempt (18%). Seventy-two percent met criteria for a clinical diagnosis, and there were high rates of comorbidity: psychotic disorder (10%), mood or anxiety disorder (31%), substance use disorder (46%), and personality disorder (50%). Over a quarter (28%) of the sample’s stalking behaviors occurred in the absence of psychopathology. Clinical implications and future research directions are discussed.