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A Systematic Review of Cyberstalking Victimization and Offending Behaviors

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Abstract

A systematic review of literature investigating cyberstalking offending and victimization was conducted, considering multiple key words and phrases used to label the behavior: cyberstalking, cyber dating abuse, cybervictimization, Internet, interpersonal electronic surveillance, and victimization. The following electronic databases, with the indication of peer-reviewed journal articles as a requirement, were searched: Academic Search Complete, Criminal Justice Database (ProQuest), Google, JSTOR and PsychInfo. After sorting through the studies using the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 31 studies remained for review. Correlates of the behaviors were discussed for each categorization, with main themes including negative characteristics of relationship behaviors, and social media and online use as main predictors of victimization and offending. There is a strong need for further research utilizing older age groups and individuals who are married, as well as a need for longitudinal research.

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Notes

  1. The criminology/criminal justice journals included the following: American Journal of Criminal Justice, Crime & Delinquency, Deviant Behavior, European Journal of Criminal Policy and Research, International Journal of Cyber Criminology, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, SAGE Open, Victims & Offenders, Violence & Victims, and Youth & Society.

    The psychology journals included the following: Current Psychology, Cyberpsychology, Behavior & Social Networking, Journal of Family Issues, Journal of Family Violence, Journal of Social & Personal Relationships, Journal of Youth and Adolescence, Personality and Individual Differences, Psychological Reports: Relationships & Communications, Psychology, Crime & Law, The American Journal of Family Violence, and Violence Against Women.

    The communication/computer science journals included the following: Computers in Human Behavior, Social Science Computer Review and Surveillance and Society.

    The medical journals included the following: The Journal of School Nursing.

  2. As techniques of offending rapidly change in the field of cybercrime based on technological adaptations, the authors felt as if inclusion of research published within the past 10 years would have the most contemporary and accurate findings of predictors of the behavior.

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  1. Department of Government and Justice Studies, Appalachian State University, PO Box 32107, Boone, NC, 28608, USA

    Catherine D. Marcum

  2. Department of Administration of Justice, University of Louisville, 2301 South 3rd Street, 208 Brigman Hall, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA

    George E. Higgins

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  1. Catherine D. Marcum
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Marcum, C.D., Higgins, G.E. A Systematic Review of Cyberstalking Victimization and Offending Behaviors. Am J Crim Just 46, 882–910 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-021-09653-6

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