The psychology of stalkingThe psychology of stalking
All In The Mind
Repeated unwanted advances, being followed, distressing packages and letters in the mail, relentless phone calls and emails can all be part of the often-terrifying experience of being stalked. It's a social problem that's increasing and it doesn't just happen to celebrities. From the latest research in forensic psychiatry, we hear what motivates those who stalk, and one woman gives an open account of what impact being the victim of a stalker has had on her life.
30:15•15 Jul 2006
The Psychology of Stalking: Fear, Obsession and The Science Behind It
Episode Overview
- Stalking is repeated, unwanted contact that causes fear and distress, and can include calls, letters, gifts, surveillance, threats and violence.
- Research suggests two broad groups: brief harassers and long‑term stalkers, with the long‑term group more likely to become violent.
- Mullen outlines categories such as rejected stalkers, intimacy seekers, incompetent suitors, resentful stalkers and predatory stalkers, each driven by different motives.
- Purcell stresses that stalking is always a choice by the stalker and warns that any response, even returning gifts, can be seen as encouragement, so ending all contact is key.
- Criminalising stalking helps protect victims and creates opportunities to assess and treat perpetrators, while raising awareness that the behaviour is serious and unacceptable.
“"It's absolutely crucial to keep in mind that this is always something that a stalker chooses to do."”
How do people find hope in the darkest times when fear literally follows them down the street? This episode of *All In The Mind* looks at stalking through both a personal and clinical lens, making a chilling topic surprisingly clear to grasp. You’ll hear from "Carol" (not her real name), a tertiary teacher whose life was turned upside down by a student who became fixated on her.
Without ever having so much as a coffee with him, she endured years of phone calls, letters, flowers, being followed in his car and waiting to see if he’d be outside her home or workplace. Her words, "I've never been so frightened in my life," cut straight to the emotional cost of stalking – the loss of freedom, safety and trust. Forensic psychiatrist Professor Paul Mullen and forensic psychologist Rosemary Purcell then set out what research shows about stalking behaviour.
They explain how it’s defined as repeated, unwanted contact that causes distress and fear, and how it can include anything from constant texts and gifts to threats, violence and even self-harm threats. Mullen outlines different types of stalkers – from rejected ex-partners to predatory offenders – and stresses that while only a minority have serious mental illness, many have long-standing problems with relationships and entitlement.
Purcell focuses on victims’ mental health, self‑doubt and the unfair tendency for others to blame them, especially in ex-partner cases. She stresses that stalking is a choice made by the stalker, not something caused by the victim, and explains why ending all contact – even returning gifts – can be crucial. The episode also touches on rising complaint rates, changing social patterns and why early intervention, including with young stalkers, might reduce later violence.
If you or someone you know has faced intrusive behaviour like this, you’ll find plenty to relate to, along with practical perspective on what stalking is, why it happens, and why taking it seriously matters so much.
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