A rapid evidence assessment of psychological treatment approaches for stalking behaviour

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to provide practitioners with a brief but comprehensive review of the current evidence base for psychological treatment approaches used in the UK that may be useful for stalking therapies. Design/methodology/approach A rapid evidence assessment was conducted on papers (post the UK Protection from Harassment Act, 1997) that discuss treatments of stalking (with or without a conviction) and associated offences/disorders. Therapies reviewed were Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Schema Therapy. Searches for Mentalization-Based Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy in relation to stalking were also performed but yielded no results that met inclusion criteria. Findings There is currently a severely limited evidence base for the efficacy of the psychological treatment of stalking behaviours. Some interventions show promise although a multifaceted, formulation-based approach is likely to be required. Practical implications Future research would benefit from robust studies focused on stalking with long-term efficacy follow-ups. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first rapid evidence review of psychological treatments that directly address stalking behaviour.