MSc Dissertation - Forensic Psychology: Amongst the Shadows of Stalking and Sexual Violence: The Role of the Dark Tetrad

Description

Abstract
Stalking is broadly described as a pattern of unwanted and repeated pursuing behaviours towards a person, which cause this person fear or distress. It has been characterised as a heterogeneous crime and is often underreported, contributing to the research scarcity surrounding it. Nonetheless, existing literature has suggested a link between stalking and sexual violence, as perpetrators of both crimes have been found to share adverse cognitions and personality traits. However, the nature of the relationship between stalking and sexual violence remains underexplored. The aim of the present study is to explore the relationship between stalking, sexual violence, gender, and the Dark Tetrad (Machiavellianism, subclinical narcissism, subclinical psychopathy, and sadism) in the general population. The sample consisted of 319 participants from the general population, who were recruited online and completed a questionnaire. Stalking perpetration, sexual harassment, sexual coercion perpetration, and Dark Tetrad personality traits were measured. Analyses showed significant correlations between stalking, sexual harassment, and sexual coercion. No gender differences were found in stalking perpetration. Small but significant gender differences were found in sexual harassment and sexual coercion; however, gender was not a significant predictor of such behaviours. While the Dark Tetrad was strongly correlated with stalking and sexual violence, not all its components significantly predicted these behaviours. These results provide valuable insights regarding stalking and sexual violence in their less severe forms, and, therefore, contribute towards the effective prevention of such phenomena and towards potential escalation of sexual violence.

Period	Oct 2021
Held at	Roehampton University, United Kingdom
Degree of Recognition	International