Cyberstalking: Prevalence and coping strategies in portuguese secondary school students

Abstract

Cyberstalking is a form of innovative persecution that consists of using the Internet or another computerized instrument to harass or persecute someone through methodical, persistent, and undesirable actions that generate discomfort in the lives of the victims. This research aimed to evaluate the prevalence of cyberstalking and to analyze the coping strategies used by the victims. The data was collected from 259 secondary school students through the online inquiry, composed of a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Cyberstalking Rating Scale, and Stalking Coping Measure. Statistical analyzes revealed a real prevalence rate (experience at least one cyberstalking behavior) of 68.0 % and a self-reported victimization rate (self-identification as a victim) of 25.5 %. The most frequent cyberstalking behaviors are those of hyper-intimacy; coping strategies most used by victims are strategies that involve avoiding contact or denying/ minimizing stalker behaviors. The results point to a devaluation by victims of cyberstalking behaviors. We conclude the need to carry out information actions on the theme directed to the whole community, to raise awareness of this social problem, to inform about the specificities of the phenomenon, as well as to disseminate prevention strategies.