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Cyberstalking perpetration by college students: The effects of low self-control and prior victimization

Author

Listed:
  • Randa, Ryan
  • Fansher, Ashley K.
  • Reyns, Bradford W.

Abstract

The present study addresses the determinants of cyberstalking perpetration within a sample of college students. Using self-report survey data collected from a large Southern university in fall 2016, a final sample of 1127 respondents were asked to report their history of both cyberstalking perpetration as well as cyberstalking victimization. This study explores cyberstalking perpetration, through the lens of low self-control, cyberstalking victimization experience, sexual compulsivity, sexual deception, and relationship status through logistic regression analyses and marginal effects. Findings suggest a relationship between cyberstalking perpetration and cyberstalking victimization across levels of self-control, where the strongest connection is among those the poorest self-control. Additionally, we explore differences between male and female respondents in their likelihood to engage in cyberstalking behavior, finding that women are more likely to offend particularly when exhibiting low self-control.

Suggested Citation

  • Randa, Ryan & Fansher, Ashley K. & Reyns, Bradford W., 2026. "Cyberstalking perpetration by college students: The effects of low self-control and prior victimization," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jcjust:v:102:y:2026:i:c:s0047235225002053
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2025.102556
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fox, Kathleen A. & Nobles, Matt R. & Akers, Ronald L., 2011. "Is stalking a learned phenomenon? An empirical test of social learning theory," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 39(1), pages 39-47, January.
    2. Brady, Patrick Q. & Reyns, Bradford W. & Landhuis, Jennifer & Griffin, Vanessa Woodward, 2023. "APPlied stalking: What the next generation of stalking victims consider to be ‘stalking’ and why victims report their experiences to the police," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).
    3. Fox, Kathleen A. & Nobles, Matt R. & Akers, Ronald L., 2011. "Is stalking a learned phenomenon? An empirical test of social learning theory," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 39(1), pages 39-47.
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