@article{ref1,
title="A Wolf in sheep's clothing: taxometric evidence of the dimensional structure of stalking",
journal="Journal of criminal psychology",
year="2023",
author="Longpre, Nicholas and Stefanska, Ewa B. and Tachmetzidi Papoutsi, Maria and White, Eleanor",
volume="13",
number="1",
pages="18-33",
abstract="PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to examine the latent structure of stalking. Stalking can be defined as a pattern of repeated and unwanted behaviours that cause another person to be afraid. The consequences for the victims can be severe and potentially happen over a long period of time. While stalking is considered as a taxon, empirical evidence and an absence of pathognomonic criteria point towards a dimensional structure. <br><br>DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH The aim of this study is to examine the latent structure of stalking using taxometric analyses on the Severity of Stalking Behaviours Scale. Analyses were conducted on a sample of N = 1,032 victims' accounts, who had contacted the National Stalking Helpline in the UK. <br><br>FINDINGS Taxometric analyses revealed that stalking presents a dimensional structure, and no taxonic peaks emerged. The results were consistent across analyses (MAMBAC, MAXEIG and L-Mode), indicators (CCFI, curves) and measures (items, factors). Research limitations/implications A dimensional structure implies that individual variation is a matter of intensity, and the present results suggest that the conceptualization of stalking should be modified. Understanding stalking from a dimensional perspective provides support to study stalking in non-clinical populations. Scales that measure stalking should provide discrimination along the entire continuum rather than focusing on putative taxonic boundaries and arbitrary threshold. <br><br>ORIGINALITY/VALUE This paper is proposing the first set of taxometric analyses on stalking. The results are providing empirical support to the idea that stalking exists on a continuum. It also strengthened the validity of previous findings in non-clinical populations and their applications all along the continuum, including with clinical populations.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2009-3829",
doi="10.1108/JCP-09-2021-0038",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/JCP-09-2021-0038"
}