Association between stalking victimisation and psychiatric morbidity in a random community sample

Abstract

Background: No studies have assessed psychopathology among victims of stalking who have not sought specialist help. Aims: To examine the associations between stalking victimisation and psychiatric morbidity in a representative community sample. Method: A random community sample (n=1844) completed surveys examining the experience of harassment and current mental health. The 28-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and the Impact of Event Scale were used to assess symptomatology in those reporting brief harassment (n=196) or protracted stalking (n=236) and a matched control group reporting no harassment (n=432). Results: Rates of caseness on the GHQ-28 were higher among stalking victims (..