Individual differences in post-traumatic stress following post-intimate stalking: stalking severity and psychosocial variables.

OBJECTIVE

Stalking can have a major psychosocial impact on its victims. Accumulating evidence suggests frequent post-traumatic stress (PTS) reactions. The present study aimed to detail the affective and cognitive responses following post-intimate stalking, and to assess the associations between stalking severity, person-related psychosocial variables and symptoms of PTS.

DESIGN

Female members (N = 131) of a Dutch nation-wide support group were contacted by mail and completed questionnaires pertaining to their stalking history, Big Five personality traits, coping, social support, as well as PTS reactions and symptoms.

METHOD

The Traumatic Constellation Identification Scale was used to elucidate emotional and cognitive responses to post-intimate stalking. To assess the associations between stalking severity indices, person-related psychosocial variables and PTS, a regression analysis was conducted using the Impact of Events Scale as a dependent variable.

RESULTS

Affective reactions included affective liability, fear, shame and loss. Associated maladaptive beliefs included decreased trust, increased alienation and isolation, and attributions of self-blame. Indices of stalking severity accounted for 22% of the PTS variance, with stalking violence being the most potent predictor. Another 8% of PTS variance was associated with a passive coping reaction and (lower) openness to experience.

CONCLUSION

PTS following stalking was associated with both stressor-related and person-related variables. Risk factors for PTS included severe stalking including violence and passive coping. Prolonged post-intimate stalking may lead to personality adaptation (i.e. becoming more closed, cautious and reserved).