Stalking, narcissistic vulnerability and the application of schema therapy “I was punishing her for me not being good enough”

Journal article


Wheatley, R. and Conway, C. 2023. Stalking, narcissistic vulnerability and the application of schema therapy “I was punishing her for me not being good enough”. Journal of Criminal Psychology. 13 (2). https://doi.org/10.1108/jcp-07-2021-0025
AuthorsWheatley, R. and Conway, C.
Abstract

Abstract
Purpose
This discussion paper aims to further explore narcissistic vulnerability as a psychological concept in relation to stalking, adding to the literature base by resurrecting this focus and exploring practical implications of this association through proposing a schema therapy (ST) approach.

Design/methodology/approach
Stalking results from an interaction of circumstances and a vulnerable personality. Understanding the psychology of those who stalk, before and during stalking episodes, is pivotal in helping the person stalking to desist and thus protect victims. Knowing how to most effectively intervene at the earliest opportunity with those stalking is an area receiving renewed attention. Not least due to the improved identification of stalking, but also the continued absence of empirical evidence on effective intervention approaches. This paper sets out to explore the utility of ST with stalking cases.

Findings
Recent research undertaken by Wheatley et al. (2020) with men who had stalked and were detained in prison within the UK highlighted narcissistic vulnerability as a key feature in their personalities. The original study provided support for the linked conceptualisations of narcissistic vulnerability, preoccupied attachment styles and the phenomenon of stalking. This paper extended discussions to explore the utility of ST to address narcissistic vulnerability in stalking cases.

Originality/value
This is an original discussion paper combining research with stalking cases, practitioner specialism, psychological theory and existing empirical literature to argue for the value of ST for addressing stalking.

KeywordsNarcissism ; Stalking ; Vulnerability
Year2023
JournalJournal of Criminal Psychology
Journal citation13 (2)
PublisherEmerald
ISSN2009-3829
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1108/jcp-07-2021-0025
Web address (URL)https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JCP-07-2021-0025/full/html
http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85148085311&partnerID=MN8TOARS
Output statusPublished
Publication dates17 Feb 2023
Publication process dates
Accepted2022
Deposited15 Jan 2024
Supplemental file
File Access Level
Open
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