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Characteristics of Cyberstalking Behavior, Consequences, and Coping Strategies: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Sample of Italian University Students

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Listed:
  • Tatiana Begotti

    (Department of Psychology, Università di Torino, Via Verdi 10, 10124 Torino, Italy)

  • Daniela Acquadro Maran

    (Department of Psychology, Università di Torino, Via Verdi 10, 10124 Torino, Italy)

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to compare victims of one type of cyberstalking (OneType) with victims of more than one type of cyberstalking (MoreType) regarding (1) the impact of cyberstalking and (2) attitudes related to telling someone about the experience of cyberstalking and the coping strategies used by victims. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to over 250 students at the University of Torino. Results: About half of the participants experienced at least one incident of cyberstalking. Among them, more than half experienced more than one type of cyberstalking. Victims suffered from depression more than those who had never experienced cyberstalking. No statistically significant difference emerged for anxiety. The coping strategies used by MoreType were more varied than those used by OneType victims of cyberstalking. Moreover, MoreType victims told someone about their victimization more than OneType victims. Conclusion: The work presented suggests implications for health care professionals, police officers, and government. For example, our suggestion is to pay attention to cyberstalking victims and provide flyers in schools, universities, and cafeterias that explain the risk of certain online behaviors and their consequences in physical and emotional spheres.

Suggested Citation

  • Tatiana Begotti & Daniela Acquadro Maran, 2019. "Characteristics of Cyberstalking Behavior, Consequences, and Coping Strategies: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Sample of Italian University Students," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-11, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jftint:v:11:y:2019:i:5:p:120-:d:233470
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Joanne D. Worsley & Jacqueline M. Wheatcroft & Emma Short & Rhiannon Corcoran, 2017. "Victims’ Voices: Understanding the Emotional Impact of Cyberstalking and Individuals’ Coping Responses," SAGE Open, , vol. 7(2), pages 21582440177, May.
    2. daniela acquadro maran & tatiana begotti, 2019. "Prevalence of Cyberstalking and Previous Offline Victimization in a Sample of Italian University Students," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-10, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tandon, Anushree & Dhir, Amandeep & Talwar, Shalini & Kaur, Puneet & Mäntymäki, Matti, 2021. "Dark consequences of social media-induced fear of missing out (FoMO): Social media stalking, comparisons, and fatigue," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).

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