Stalking and Other Forms of Intrusive Contact among Adolescents and Young Adults from the Perspective of the Person Initiating the Intrusive Contact

Abstract

As concern about stalking in domestic situations has heightened, increased attention has been paid to stalking and other forms of intrusive contact among adolescents and young adults. However, limited information about these relationships from the perspective of the person initiating the intrusive contact is available. This study describes the experiences of 52 undergraduates who acknowledged initiating intrusive contact after the breakup of a dating or romantic relationship. From a survey of 631 undergraduates, 7% of the females and 11% of the males initiated intrusive contact that lasted at least 2 weeks after the end of their relationship. Characteristics of the intrusive contact, the relationships in which it occurred, and those who initiated the intrusive contact are described.

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