Date of Submission

10-3-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice (Ph.D.)

Department

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Paul Bleakley, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Stephanie Bonnes, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Christopher Sedelmaier, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Emma Short, Ph.D.

LC Subject Headings

Cyberstalking, Psychological assessment, Mixed methods research, Anxiety, PTSD (Psychiatry)

Abstract

Stalking, and cyberstalking are singular forms of violence, predicated on a victim’s interpretation and perception of events (Campbell & Moore, 2011; Korkodeilou, 2017). With no universal definition, and ambiguity as to which behaviors constitute the crime, understanding remains limited (Maple et al., 2012; Reyns et al., 2012). As technology advances and tech-based harassment rises (Short et al., 2022), it is imperative research examine both the scope of victimization, and the experiences of those victimized. This study analyzed the characteristics and consequences of cyberstalking victimization in a national US sample (n= 73), comparing findings to the 2010-2011 UK Electronic Communication Harassment Observation (ECHO) survey. Using a mixed-methods approach, it deployed a revised ECHO survey to capture victim demographics, changes in internet and technology use, and the psychological impacts of victimization. Quantitative findings informed semi-structured interviews with 11 victims, who provided nuanced accounts of fear, coping, and perceptions of the justice system and platform responses. Consistent with UK findings, a majority of US respondents were young adult women, who reported significant psychological harm; most (86%) individuals experienced alarm or distress, while nearly half (49%) live in fear of violence. Measured by two psychometric scales (GAD-7 and PCL-C), symptoms of anxiety and PTSD were widespread, with regression analyses revealing various predictors of symptom severity including relationship changes and frequency of indirect contact. Qualitative interviews emphasized a life of paranoia, alongside themes of fear, helplessness, and ineffective agency response, leaving victims to cope independently. These findings contribute to the overall knowledge of cyberstalking at the national level, while offering cross-national comparison and amplifying victim’s voices. Findings highlight the need for consistent definitions, improved legal and platform responses, and victim-centered support.

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