Temirkhanova O.V. Subjective Experience and Behavioral Criteria for the Identification of Stalking

Stalking is regarded as a form of psychological violence; however, empirical research in Russian psychology remains limited in its simultaneous consideration of victims’ subjective experiences and objective criteria for identifying stalking behaviors. The absence of such integration complicates the diagnosis of stalking, its recognition by victims themselves, and the development of effective psychological support interventions.

Aim. The study aimed to examine women’s experiences of stalking, taking into account both subjective evaluations of the experienced events and objective behavioral criteria of stalking.

Methods. An empirical study was conducted in 2024. The sample comprised 102 women residing in Russia who reported experiences of stalking. Data were collected using an author-developed questionnaire based on the behavioral approach to the empirical specification of stalking widely applied in international research. The instrument included formal criteria for identifying stalking as well as sections designed to assess participants’ emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses.

Results. The findings revealed a high prevalence of stalking-related behavioral patterns, including persistent attempts at contact, coercion into communication, and physical surveillance. A significant discrepancy was identified between participants’ subjective evaluations of their own experiences and their classification as stalking victims according to objective criteria. Emotional responses were predominantly negative and were accompanied by high levels of cognitive strain, uncertainty, and efforts to seek protective strategies. Behavioral responses ranged from seeking social support to changes in everyday routines.

Conclusions. The results highlight the phenomenological complexity of perceiving and interpreting stalking experiences and indicate the need for a comprehensive approach to assessment and support for victims, integrating both objective behavioral indicators of violence and subjective mechanisms of perception and interpretation.

Key words: stalking, psychological violence, emotional abuse, interpersonal relationships, perception of stalking, cognitive appraisal of threat, experience of stalking

For citation: Temirkhanova, O.V. (2026). Subjective experience and behavioral criteria for the identification of stalking. New Psychological Research, No. 3, 248–265. DOI: 10.51217/npsyresearch_2026_06_03_13