ABSTRACT
In a relatively short time span, researchers and practitioners have generated a wealth of important knowledge about obsessive relational intrusion and stalking. Much of this information is descriptive in nature, providing important insights regarding the prevalence of stalking and obsessive relational intrusion (ORI), the different types of perpetrators, the manner of perpetration, and the consequences of victimization. There has been a paucity of well-developed theory to explain why unwanted pursuit occurs, although a few useful frameworks have been proposed, and new efforts to expand theory-testing to stalking will continue to be pursued (e.g., Basile, Hall, & Walters, 2013). The development of such theories will be important if the knowledge base is to expand. Theories are needed to provide a coherent sense of understanding about the phenomena, to assist in organizing research findings, and to focus research efforts by indicating what variables deserve empirical attention. Theory development will enable assessments of the likelihood that unwanted pursuit will occur, the projected intensity, severity, and dangerousness of impending pursuit, as well as the relative efficacy of various victim responses.
