This thesis is focusing on the topic of the crime of stalking under section 354 of the Czech Criminal Code (Act. no. 40/2009). The offence of stalking captures in its merit the harmful psychological and social phenomenon known under the name stalking. Aim of this thesis is to provide comprehension of the offence of stalking particularly in the context of the phenomenon on its broad forensic psychological level. The conclusions about the crime itself are then derived from the observations made while examining stalking in its whole complexity. Aim of this thesis is also providing suggestions through comparison of the Czech legislation and legislations of selected foreign countries. The topic of this thesis in opened with proper definition of the term stalking followed by and insight of its understanding and concept in the course of centuries. Moving towards modern era, evidences contradicting common myths associated with stalking phenomenon are given, following the historical background. Following chapters deal with the perpetrators of stalking and introduce the problematics of stalking in the light of forensic psychology. Forensic insights are then used as a stepping stone for the journey towards examination of stalking through the lens of criminal law. In these chapters focus is primarily on...

Abstract not available

Thesis (doctoral)--Universität, Bonn, 2008/2009. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Rhode Island, 2004. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 89-97).

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2004. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains vii, 70 p. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 41-47).

Zugl.: Göttingen, Univ., Diss., 1999.

No description available.

I coded a random sample of 266 movies to test whether previous researcher’s assertions that the media legitimizes unwanted courtship persistence (UCP) and minimizes stalking behavior is true. Consistent with their assertions, I found that the media does frequently depict stories of unwanted courtship persistence, and they were portrayed, on average, as acceptable. Although pursuers were generally portrayed positively, pursuers who engaged in UCP were more likely to be portrayed negatively than non-UCP pursuers. However, UCP pursuers were more successful than non-UCP pursuers in winning over their love interest. Using Cupach and Spitzberg’s (2004) Obsessional Relational Intrusion (ORI) scale, I found that pursuers engaged in an average of 7 ORI behaviors throughout their pursuit, and many behaviors were portrayed as acceptable, if not positively. Only harassment, coercion and threat, and aggression and violence were portrayed negatively. Implications are tied into Bushman and Anderson’s (2002) General Aggression Model.

Applying Relational Goal Pursuit Theory (RGT), the present study examined the motivations for obsessive relational intrusion (ORI). Participants (n = 509) were randomly assigned to conditions that 1) primed relational or retaliatory goals, then 2) exposed to a negative romantic relationship vignette (relationship disappointment vs. explicit rejection vs. “nice” rejection), and 3) then were either induced to ruminate about the vignette events or were not. Participants reported how likely they would be to think about pursuit (e.g., frequent calls) and aggressive (e.g., threats) ORI. Contrary to expectations, rejection elicited less ORI than the relationship disappointment condition. However, it was found that 1) the ORI scale broke into a threeactor, instead of twoactor, model of pursuit, aggressive, and surveillance behavior, and 2) that motivations for each type varied. Relational goals predicted pursuit. Retaliation predicted aggression. Motives for surveillance behaviors were linked to both desires for revenge and reconciliation.

Book Summary: In this exciting new book John Hamel, author of the ground-breaking Gender-Inclusive Treatment of Intimate Partner Abuse, and Tonia Nicholls go beyond the traditional intervention theories of domestic violence practiced today. Offering alternative, unbiased and sometimes controversial views, theories, and current research, they, along with renowned contributors in the field, provide new treatment options that encompass a wide range of gender dynamics. Here are just some of the key principles covered: Interventions Should Be Based on a Thorough Unbiased Assessment Victim/Perpetrator Distinctions are Overstated, and Much Partner Abuse is Mutual Regardless of Perpetrator Gender, Child Witnesses to Partner Abuse are Adversely Affected, and are at Risk for Perpetrating Partner Abuse as Adults This new gender-inclusive approach to assessment and intervention provides a significant departure from traditional paradigms of domestic violence, and offers a much-needed awareness to effectively prevent violence in our communities today and for future generations.