Why do Stalkers Stalk?

Have you ever been strolling down the street, perhaps on a train or even driving … when you suddenly become aware that someone is lurking a little too close for comfort, taking turns through the same back streets that you are or staring just a little too intently. Most of us can relate to that fleeting moment of distress and the rush of adrenaline we experience as we prepare for the potential ramifications of what may happen next. Most of the time our angst fortunately proves to be unwarranted … however this isn’t necessarily the case for everyone.

Stalking refers to a pattern of repeated, intrusive behaviours, which intimidate and cause distress in recipients. In general stalking involves persistent attempts to impose unwanted communication and/or contact onto the victim. While the example that often comes to mind regarding stalking is that of imposing an unwanted physical presence on the victim (generally through the act of following), there are a number of other behaviours that are also considered to be stalking. This may include phoning or sending electronic messages, loitering outside a victim’s home, workplace or otherwise frequently visited place, interfering with property, giving the victim offensive material or keeping them under surveillance.

More often than not, women will be the victims of stalking with majority of stalkers being ex partners, followed by professional relationships, employees/customers, casual acquaintances, those with no previous contact with victim and celebrities. Many stalkers may also have a psychiatric disorders, the most common being delusional disorders, specifically erotomania (a delusion in which a person believes another person is in love with them), morbid jealousy and persecutory delusions.

In the late 90s, Paul Mullen an Australian expert in stalking analysed the behaviour of 145 diagnosed stalkers. Based on the analyses conducted throughout this study, five stalker subtypes emerged encompassing their motives, general thought processes, behaviours and treatment options. These subtypes are the most highly regarded form of categorisation in classifying stalking behaviour to date.

Rejected subtype

The rejected subtype is said to comprise approximately 35% of stalker. Stalking behaviours generally occur as a response to rejection of a relationship and frequently involve an ex partner. Their stalking behaviours are usually motivated by a complex desire to both seek out reconciliation and revenge which is often driven by a sense of loss, frustration, anger, jealousy, sadness and vindictiveness. Many of these people also have personality disorders. Often these people are not willing to engage in treatment leading to a need for family/friends or judicial system involvement. Therapy is primarily focused on continued abstinence.

Intimacy seeking subtype

The intimacy seeking subtype comprises approximately 34% of stalkers. These people seek intimacy with an individual whom they perceive as their true love and often experience erotomanic delusions around their victim. Their stalking behaviours are motivated by their pursuit to establish a relationship and they can often become jealous or enraged by their victims indifference towards them. Treatment usually require the use of assertive psychiatric management, often with the use of medication, to treat the underlying mental disorder. Compliance to treatment may require court orders.

Incompetent subtype

The incompetent subtype comprises approximately 15% of stalkers. These people acknowledge that their victim does not reciprocate their affection however hope that their behaviour may change their mind. Many stalkers that fall into this subtype tend to be intellectually and socially limited individuals, often lacking interpersonal skills and have often stalked others in the past. These people usually respond well to judicial sanctions and counselling support focused on improving social skills and instilling empathy. While they tend to abandon their victim relatively easily, the challenge then becomes preventing them from choosing another.

Resentful subtype

The resentful subtype comprises approximately 11% of stalkers. Their primary reason for stalking is to frighten or distress their victim. They will often threaten their victims and may damage their property however in most cases this rarely escalates to assault. Some of these individuals have paranoid personalities however most of these people do not have a major mental illness. These people are usually difficult to engage in treatment. In the early stages many of these individuals tend to cease or decrease their stalking behaviours when faced with criminal sanctions however the more time that has elapsed the more difficult this becomes.

Predatory subtype

The predatory subtype comprises approximately 4% of stalkers. These stalkers primary reason for stalking is in preparation for a sexual attack with most of these people having diagnosed paraphilia’s. These people find pleasure in the power they feel as a result of their stalking. Unfortunately it is often difficult to identify the victims in the early stages as warning signs tend not to be overtly exhibited. 

Treatment often falls primarily to the criminal justice system at least initially. Psychotherapy can sometimes be useful in addressing and treating the underlying sexual deviation.While we tend to think of stalkers in one particular manner it appears evident that there are a range of motivations underlying their stalking behaviours. These range from a desperate attempt to reconcile a previously ended relationship to the pure thrill of causing distress to ones victims. Each stalking subtype is uniquely different and each requires a different treatment approach as a result.

What does appear consistent among stalkers is their ability to cause distress in their victims. If you or someone you know may be a victim of stalking it is important that you reach out to emergency services as well as both professional and informal supports to address this issue. Conversely, if you are the stalker yourself it is important to be aware that treatment options are available if you are willing to engage in them.