TY - JOUR
T1 - Testing the Target Congruence Approach
T2 - Do Vulnerability, Gratifiability, and Antagonism Explain Cyberstalking Victimization Among Young Adults?
AU - Fissel, Erica R.
AU - Fisher, Bonnie S.
AU - Wilcox, Pamela
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology.
PY - 2023/9
Y1 - 2023/9
N2 - To extend theoretical understanding of cyberspace victimization beyond lifestyle-routine activity theory, we tested the target congruence approach as a plausible explanation for cyberstalking victimization. Of secondary interest, we assessed whether the relationship between target congruence and cyberstalking victimization differs by pursued–pursuer relationship. Survey data from a sample of 1,500 young adults (18–25 years old) revealed 32% had experienced cyberstalking victimization within the previous year. Logistic regression results moderately support the target congruence approach. Measures capturing target vulnerability (e.g., age, disability), target gratifiability (e.g., gender identity, types of photos posted), and target antagonism (e.g., relationship status, cyberstalking perpetration) significantly predicted cyberstalking victimization. Moreover, it appears that the target congruence elements better explain cyberstalking victimization conducted by someone known to the target (compared with a stranger). Implications for the applicability of the target congruence approach are discussed, along with suggestions for future research.
AB - To extend theoretical understanding of cyberspace victimization beyond lifestyle-routine activity theory, we tested the target congruence approach as a plausible explanation for cyberstalking victimization. Of secondary interest, we assessed whether the relationship between target congruence and cyberstalking victimization differs by pursued–pursuer relationship. Survey data from a sample of 1,500 young adults (18–25 years old) revealed 32% had experienced cyberstalking victimization within the previous year. Logistic regression results moderately support the target congruence approach. Measures capturing target vulnerability (e.g., age, disability), target gratifiability (e.g., gender identity, types of photos posted), and target antagonism (e.g., relationship status, cyberstalking perpetration) significantly predicted cyberstalking victimization. Moreover, it appears that the target congruence elements better explain cyberstalking victimization conducted by someone known to the target (compared with a stranger). Implications for the applicability of the target congruence approach are discussed, along with suggestions for future research.
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U2 - 10.1177/00938548231180636
DO - 10.1177/00938548231180636
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85162640623
SN - 0093-8548
VL - 50
SP - 1380
EP - 1404
JO - Criminal Justice and Behavior
JF - Criminal Justice and Behavior
IS - 9
ER -