Unwanted attention: The psychological impact of cyberstalking on its survivors |
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Authors: | Shandré Kim Jansen van Rensburg |
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Affiliation: | Department of Criminology and Security Science, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa Author Email: Sissisk@unisa.ac.za |
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Abstract: | This exploratory study investigated experiences of cyberstalking by analysing the psychological impact on young adult users (n = 12; females = 9). The participants completed in-depth e-mail interviews documenting their lived experiences as cyberstalking survivors. The data were thematically analysed. The findings indicate that young adults who have experienced cyberstalking report a wide-ranging psychological impact on them; including feelings of stress, hurt, paranoia, insomnia, betrayal, anger, fear, and in some cases even depression. These findings advocate the need for tailored interventions to alleviate the impact on cyberstalking survivors. |
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Keywords: | cyberstalking cyberstalking typology psychological impact victimisation |
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